Muluzi to lead Commonwealth observers to Nigeria elections

Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma announced in London that former Malawian President Dr Bakili Muluzi will lead the Commonwealth Observer Group during Nigeria’s elections  on 14 February .

The 11-member Commonwealth Observer Group will be supported by a staff team from the Commonwealth Secretariat from London when Nigeria holds its fifth election since the end of military rule in 1999 to elect president, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Commonwealth Secretary General  said he was “delighted”  and “grateful” that Muluzi had accepted the invitation to lead the Group.

Sharma said the Commonwealth attaches great importance to conducting “credible elections as a means of strengthening democracy and giving citizens the opportunity to choose their leaders.”

Muluzi, whose team will be based in Abuja, confirmed his appointment and said  as matter of courtesy, he informed  Malawi President Peter Mutharika of his appointment.

“I informed  the Head  of State, Prof Mutharika and the President has congratulated and wished me well,” said Muluzi.

He has however raised security concerns for his team as the  infamous Boko Haram militants who have denounced democracy and are fighting to impose their strict version of Shariah law.

The Commonwealth Secretariat has assured his team of a comprehensive security plan, including a provision of police escort.

Muluzi’s team set to assemble in Abuja on February 7, includes members from Australia, Ghana, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, South Africa, Uganda and from diverse fields.