Conakry, Guinea – The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF) will send a joint international delegation to Guinea to assess preparations for legislative elections currently scheduled for February 2020. The assessment will take place from December 9-13, 2019. 

The high-level delegation consists of the following members: 

1. H.E.  Nicéphore Soglo, Former President of Benin;
2. H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, Former President of Nigeria;
3. Ambassador Medina Wesseh, Secretary General of the Mano River Union;
4. Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, Senior Associate and Regional Director for Central and West Africa (NDI);
5. Mr. Sébastien F. W. Brack, Head of Elections and Democracy Programme (KAF);
6. Dr. Sophia Moestrup, Deputy Director for Central and West Africa (NDI);
7. Mr. Paul Komivi Sémeko Amegakpo, Resident Director in Guinea (NDI).

The delegation will meet with the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), ruling and opposition political parties, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in Conakry to assess preparations for the legislative elections and explore ways of fostering peaceful and credible polls. 

“Guinea's February 2020 elections will be an important step in strengthening the country’s democracy and giving voice to citizens through their elected representatives. As Guinean citizens prepare to go to the polls, a peaceful and inclusive electoral process is critically important,” said H.E. Nicéphore Soglo, former President of Benin Republic. 

“Successful elections and democratic progress in Guinea would bode well for West Africa and other parts of the continent as Africans gain more confidence in choosing their political leaders through regularly held and meaningful elections,” said H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria. “Our delegation looks forward to meeting with various Guinean electoral stakeholders.”  

Prior to departing Guinea, the mission will present its findings publicly at a press conference in Conakry on December 13, 2019. 

NDI has organized more than 150 international election observation missions around the globe, earning a reputation for impartiality and professionalism. The NDI/KAF mission to Guinea will conduct its activities in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct adopted by the United Nations in 2005 and will base its findings and recommendations on Guinean laws and international standards for elections. All activities will be conducted on a strictly nonpartisan basis and without interfering in the election process.