Jorge Carlos Fonseca, the Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, recently revealed that the commission allocated approximately $712,000 to guarantee the triumph of the legislative elections in Guinea-Bissau.
He made the disclosure at the post-election briefing held in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday.
The funds were strategically disbursed to various aspects of the electoral process to ensure its smooth and peaceful conduct.
Out of the total amount, $500,000 was provided as support to the National Electoral Commission (CNE), strengthening their capacity to effectively carry out their duties.
An additional $92,000 was allocated to the deployment of an ECOWAS stabilization force, reinforcing security measures to safeguard the electoral proceedings.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining trust and stability, the commission also dedicated $120,000 to settle outstanding obligations owed to party agents.
This action aimed to prevent any potential disruptions or boycott threats from these agents, ensuring their active participation in the election.
Mr. Fonseca expressed his appreciation to the 893,618 voters who actively engaged in the electoral process. Their commendable turnout, consisting of 434,009 men and 459,609 women, greatly contributed to the peaceful and successful conduct of the election.
The voters displayed remarkable adherence to the country’s electoral laws, further enhancing the credibility of the process.
The legislative elections, which occurred on Sunday, June 4, 2023, were conducted for Guinea-Bissau’s 120 National People’s Assembly. The financial support provided by ECOWAS played a pivotal role in ensuring the election’s triumph.
Its contribution facilitated a transparent and peaceful process, effectively curbing the potential for violence or electoral malpractice.
ECOWAS’ investment in supporting the National Electoral Commission and deploying a stabilization force underscored their commitment to upholding democratic principles in Guinea-Bissau.
Through these measures, the commission aimed to secure the electoral process, allowing citizens to exercise their democratic rights in a secure and conducive environment.
