Nigeria’s 2023 Elections, Africa’s Largest Democratic Exercise – Mbeki

Nigeria’s 2023 Elections: Former South African President Thabo Mbeki and chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group says that the upcoming 2023 Nigerian elections are of huge significance to Africa and will be the largest democratic exercise that the continent has ever seen.

Mr Mbeki stated this at a press conference held in Abuja earlier today, the 20th of February. He stated that Nigeria, the largest democracy in Africa was strategically positioned to strengthen democratic ideals throughout the continent.

The former South African president noted that the commonwealth has always been an active supporter of the Nigerian democracy and its development since 1999 and will this year continue to assess whether the elections are conducted according to the democratic standards to which Nigeria has committed itself.

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“Our Commonwealth Observer Group has been in Abuja since 18 February. Our mandate is to observe and assess the pre-election period, activities on polling day and the post-election period. Throughout, we will consider all factors relating to the credibility of the electoral process,” stated Mr Mbeki.

He also said, “We will assess whether the elections are conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which Nigeria has committed itself, including the constitutional framework and national legislation as well as Commonwealth and other international commitments. As we undertake this assessment and conduct our duties, we will be objective, independent and impartial.”

Mr Thabo Mbeki explained that the commonwealth group is here to ensure the electoral process is transparent and inclusive and that conditions for a successful election are put in place and achieved.

Nigeria’s 2023 Elections!