AU deploys long-term election observation mission to Ghana

The African Union (AU) has approved deployment of a long-term election observation mission to Ghana.

Following an invitation from the government of Ghana, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has approved the deployment of the mission to Ghana's presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 7 this year, said an AU statement on Thursday.

The mission will be deployed on Oct. 20 and will remain in the country until the announcement of final results, according to the statement.

The mission comprised 4 core team analysts and 10 long-term observers from eleven African countries, including Cameroon, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The observers are mandated to observe, assess and report on the electoral preparations and other developments in the country at national and regional levels, aiming to provide an impartial assessment and, where relevant, recommend ways for improvement, said the statement.

"The deployment of an AU long-term election observation mission to Ghana reflects our desire and aspiration for an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law in all of our member states", said Dlamini-Zuma in the statement.

The long-term observation mission will conduct its work in an independent, nonpartisan and professional manner, said the statement. Endit