The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has nominated former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to lead an election observation team to Côte d’Ivoire.

The country’s presidential election is set for October 25.

ECOWAS said on Sunday that the mission will be deployed from October 19 to 29, in accordance with the rules of its additional convention on democracy and good governance.

As head of mission, Osinbajo will lead a group of distinguished West Africans in engaging important national stakeholders and promoting a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process in the Francophone country.

The regional grouping stated that the mission will also work with other foreign and domestic observer organisations to examine polling results and boost trust in the democratic process.

ECOWAS stated that the deployment demonstrates its “unwavering commitment to promoting peace, stability, and credible elections” in West Africa.

The October 25 election comes at a critical juncture for Côte d’Ivoire’s democracy.

Despite repeated promises to leave office, President Alassane Ouattara, 83, is seeking a fourth term.

His decision has provoked political unrest and reignited debate about term limits and democratic transition in the country.