ECOWAS deploys observer mission to Senegal for November 17 legislative elections

Dakar, Senegal – Ambassador Francis Alex Tsegah, a seasoned Ghanaian diplomat, has arrived in Dakar to lead the 90-member ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) for Senegal’s legislative elections scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2024.

The deployment of the ECOWAS EOM is in line with the provisions of the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, underscoring the West African bloc’s commitment to supporting free, fair, and credible elections in the region. The observers are drawn from diverse backgrounds, including the Community Court of Justice, foreign affairs ministries, electoral management bodies of member states, civil society organizations, and the ECOWAS Commission.

Ambassador Tsegah, a career diplomat and former Ambassador of Ghana to Spain, brings decades of expertise to the mission. He has held high-ranking positions in Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is currently a Senior Fellow at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). Tsegah’s extensive experience in diplomacy, governance, and law positions him as a strong advocate for democratic values.

During his stay, Ambassador Tsegah will work closely with stakeholders such as Senegal’s Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA), civil society groups, government representatives, and the media. The mission is further strengthened by collaboration with the African Union Election Observation Mission, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the electoral process.

The legislative elections will decide 165 seats across Senegal’s 53 constituencies, including eight representing the diaspora. The campaign, which began on October 27, has energized voters, with political parties and candidates engaging communities across the nation’s 45 districts.

By deploying the EOM, ECOWAS demonstrates its dedication to promoting transparent and participatory democratic processes in Senegal and the broader West African region.