The government of Djibouti announced on Monday that 67 international observers will monitor the country’s upcoming presidential election scheduled for later this week.
Djibouti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in a statement said the observers will be deployed at the invitation of the government by the African Union (AU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The AU mission, comprising 47 observers, will led by former Rwandan Prime Minister Bernard Makuza, while Ethiopia’s former President Mulatu Teshome will head IGAD’s 16-member team, the ministry said.
The League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have each sent two observers.
The Red Sea nation is set to hold its presidential election on April 10, with incumbent President Ismail Omar Guelleh of the ruling Union for the Presidential Majority facing Mohamed Farah Samatar of the Unified Democratic Center.
According to the ministry, the observers are mandated to conduct independent, impartial, and objective assessments of the electoral process. They are also expected to meet with candidates, political authorities, and representatives of national institutions overseeing the vote.
Djibouti’s current President Ismail Omar Guelleh is seeking a sixth term in office which could extend his rule to more than 30 years.
The Red Sea nation will hold its presidential election on April 10 this year.
The two main contenders are the country’s incumbent President Guelleh, candidate for the ruling Union for the Presidential Majority (UMP), and Mohamed Farah Samatar of the Unified Democratic Centre (CDU).
MG/abj/APA