By Milcah Tanimu

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has called for peace as the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission, led by Jonathan, returns to Liberia for the presidential run-off scheduled for Tuesday. Jonathan is accompanied by former Burkina Faso Prime Minister and former President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Kadre Ouedraogo, along with WAEF secretariat staff.

The WAEF team aims to lend expertise as former sub-regional leaders to support the peaceful conduct of the elections and strengthen Liberia’s democracy. In an arrival statement issued in Monrovia, the team urged Liberians to participate peacefully and avoid violence during the run-off election to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The statement, jointly signed by Jonathan and Ouedraogo, commended Liberians for the peaceful first round of elections on October 10 and wished for another successful outing in the run-off. WAEF advised politicians to prioritize the collective interest of the country over personal ambitions and called on presidential candidates and their followers to adhere to the Farmington River Pact for peaceful elections.

The Election Mission urged the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and security authorities to fulfill their mandates in accordance with electoral laws to ensure credible elections and renew the trust and confidence of the Liberian people in the nation’s democracy.

WAEF emphasized Liberia’s exemplary democratic credentials over the past two decades and encouraged citizens to maintain peace, law, and order during the upcoming election. The Forum, engaging with Liberian stakeholders since July, expressed its commitment to supporting Liberia and contributing to the consolidation of democracy and good governance in the West African sub-region.