Finance Minister appointed Returning Officer for AfDB presidential elections

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, has a new role. He is the Returning Officer for the African Development Bank's presidential elections. These elections are part of the Bank’s ongoing Annual Meetings.

The elections aim to find a successor for Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. He is the 8th elected President of the AfDB Group. Dr. Adesina was first elected on May 28, 2015, during Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Five candidates are competing for the presidency:

1. Mr. Amadou Hott from Senegal
2. Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo from Zambia
3. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah from Mauritania
4. Mr. Abbas Mahamat Tolli from Chad
5. Ms. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala from South Africa

As Returning Officer, Dr. Forson ensures a fair voting process as per Article 5 of the Bank’s electoral rules.

His responsibilities include checking that the ballot box is empty before voting starts and confirming that ballots match eligible voters.

He will also reject invalid ballots and certify valid votes only.

Dr. Forson will be assisted by the Secretary General, General Counsel, and a technical team to ensure accurate vote counting according to Article 7 of the rules.

His appointment shows the AfDB Board of Governors' trust in his integrity and professionalism in promoting transparency and good governance in financial institutions.