AU ropes PAP into Nigeria Pre-election Assessment and Special Political Mission

The African Union (AU) has resolved to harness the Pan-African African Parliament (PAP)’s unique value proposition as a representation of the African citizens, in its bid to consolidate democratic gains for peace and stability in Africa.

H.E Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of Africa’s premier parliamentary forum was solicited by the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) to participate in the AU Pre-election Assessment and Special Political Mission to the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 27 November to 3 December 2022.

The President of the PAP joins a high-level delegation comprised of a distinguished member of the African Union Panel of the Wise and African Union Commission (AUC) Senior Officials. The mission forms part of a constructive approach of preventive diplomacy with a view to exchange views with key role players in Nigeria ahead of the Presidential, House of Representatives, and Senate elections slated for February 2023.

The involvement of the PAP, represented at the highest level of its leadership, demonstrates how the institution’s commitment to reinvent and reposition itself within the AU’s democratic governance architecture has resonated positively throughout the entire continental organisation.

In addition to giving a voice to the African peoples and the Diaspora, the PAP is tasked with promoting the principle of human rights and democracy in Africa. Africa’s Parliament also seeks to encourage good governance, transparency, and accountability in the AU Member States.

“I’m honoured to take part in this important assignment on behalf of the Pan-African Parliament. This shows that we have regained the confidence of our Union and we are regarded as a critical element in the implementation of the Africa Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG),” said H.E Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira.

The AU Pre-election Assessment and Special Political Mission aim to pave the way for a creditable, peaceful, and acceptable electoral process by all actors, in line with continental and international norms and standards of democratic elections.

In this regard, the delegation is engaging with Nigerian National institutions and relevant stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (NEC), Ministry of Justice, National Assembly, National Human Rights Commission, National Council of Civic Education, Office of the National Security, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, National Anti-corruption Bodies; Political Parties, Civil Society organisations, Media and Partners.