Jubilee Party Deputy Organizing Secretary General Pauline Njoroge will be part of the Commonwealth Expert Team (CET) assigned to observe the Bangladesh general elections scheduled for January 7, 2024.
The digital media strategist was among the ten people appointed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland following an invitation from the Bangladesh Election Commission.
“The Commonwealth’s commitment to fostering peaceful, fair and credible elections is unwavering. Impartial and independent elections observers provide valuable recommendations to improve and strengthen the elections and democratic processes,” said Patricia.
Besides, the expert team will consider all aspects of the election process and provide their observations on whether the elections are conducted in line with the democratic standards of Bangladesh.
Additionally, the CET will also be supported by staff members from the Commonwealth Secretariat.
“The team’s deployment demonstrates the Commonwealth’s continued commitment to supporting electoral democracy in our 56 member countries and safeguarding the rights of the people of Bangladesh as they take part in these pivotal elections,” added Patricia.
Notably, the team will be led by Former Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding.
“It is my honor and privilege to have been asked to lead this team and to once again, serve the Commonwealth. I am pleased to be collaborating with this expert team which, as is customary, includes experts from diverse backgrounds, countries, and professions. In conducting our duties in Bangladesh, we pledge to remain objective, transparent, and independent,” said Golding.
Other Members
Other Members Commonwealth Team Former Chairman of Elections Cameroon Dr Samuel Azu’u Fonkam.
Sabyasachi Banerjee India Advocate and Special Public Prosecutor was picked alongside Mark Stephens Member of Commonwealth Lawyers Association, United Kingdom.
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Former Maldives Deputy Foreign Minister Jeffrey Salim Waheed and New Guinea media specialist Hennah Joku were also appointed.
Also, in the team is former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigeria Prof Attahiru Jega.
The team also includes Founder of CEDAW Committee of Trinidad and Tobago Terry Dale and University of Colombo professor Dinesha Samararatne.
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Pauline Njoroge and Other CET Members Roles
The CET will meet various stakeholders throughout their time in Bangladesh.
This includes political parties, police, civil society groups, citizen observer and monitor groups, as well as representatives from the media.
From 6 January, the team will also deploy in small groups around the country to observe electoral preparations in their respective areas.
On election day, the team will observe the opening, voting, closing, counting and results management processes.