In deference to its Protocol on Good Governance and Democracy, ECOWAS has oversight responsibilities for the electoral processes in the West African region. For the year 2015, elections are holding in five states-Nigeria, Togo, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso. And for all of the elections, ECOWAS sends both short and long term Observer Missions to assess the exercises.

 The mandate of the Missions is to ensure impartiality, transparency credibility of the processes. It is also charged with the task of assessing the performance of the main actors of the election, looking at the degree of civic education among other indicators while helping to create an atmosphere of public trust.

In all, the Missions observe the electoral processes and make valuable recommendations for the good of the countries and the region as a whole.

GENERAL PROCESS AND DEPARTEMENTS INVOLVED

Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Early warning and Communication

DESIGNATION OF THE OBSERVERS AND TRAINING

Training to enable impartial observation was carried out through briefings. There were hands on demonstrations on the use of phones as the most handy way to report. Feedbacks accomplished via email.

Observations were sent to: www.electionmonitoring.ecowas.int.