Yiaga Africa has announced the dispatch of a high-level election study mission to Liberia, in preparation for the country’s upcoming 2023 general election slated for October 10.
In an official statement released on Saturday, Samson Itodo, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, highlighted that the National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia has duly accredited the civil society organization (CSO) for active involvement in the electoral process.
The mission is an integral part of Yiaga Africa’s Transforming Electoral Governance in Africa (TEGA) initiative, strategically aimed at enhancing electoral governance through evidence-based learning, comprehensive documentation, and dedicated advocacy.
As part of this initiative, Yiaga Africa engages in policy dialogues, study missions, and participatory action research pertaining to elections and electoral reforms.
Heading the mission is Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, a former Commissioner for Political Affairs at the African Union Commission and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to Guinea, who also serves as a board member of Yiaga Africa.
In addition to Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, the delegation comprises notable figures such as Sharafadeen Alli, Chair of the Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Bayo Balogun, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters; and Asmau Maikudi, a former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).
The delegation’s focus will revolve around engaging with key electoral stakeholders, aligning with the mission’s focal themes, including election management, electoral technology, election results management, and citizen participation.
Following their study and interactions, the mission will compile its findings into a comprehensive report, which will be shared with relevant stakeholders in Liberia and Nigeria.
