A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Atttahiru Jega, has been named by Carter Centre as the leader of its international election observation mission to Zimbabwe.
The Carter Centre had in late July launched its mission following an invitation from the authorities of Zimbabwe and accreditation of its observers by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
A statement from the Director of its Democracy Programme, David Carroll, forwarded to The PUNCH by Jega on Thursday in Abuja said he had accepted the offer.
“It’s an honour to lead the centre’s mission to observe Zimbabwe’s August 23 harmonised elections. I urge all Zimbabweans, including political party members, candidates and voters, to show their commitment to democracy and peaceful elections,” Jega said.
The core team of eight international experts and two national experts is based in Harare.
Fifteen long-term observers arrived in Zimbabwe and deployed throughout the country the first week of August.
Short-term observers will arrive on August 18 and be deployed around the country to observe polling, counting, and tabulation on election day.
