The Head of the EAC-Election Observation Mission headquarters in Nairobi, Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, has confirmed that a team of 59 observers will be deployed in various parts of the country.
Kenya goes to the polls on Tuesday August 09 , to vote for the next President. Four candidates are vying to replace the outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kikwette , a former Tanzanian President says the East African Community (EAC) has deployed 15 Election Observation Teams to observe the general elections.
He explains that the EAC Observer Mission will assess adherence to the democratic principles of the EAC as enshrined in the Treaty.
“The main task for our observers will be to observe ongoing electoral campaigns; observe polling processes on the polling day including results management at the Polling Stations; and observe tallying, announcement and declaration of results,” Dr Kikwete said.
He adds they will return to the mission headquarters in Nairobi on August 10, 2022, to prepare a preliminary report on the electoral process.
“The field report will enable us to prepare a Preliminary Statement, which we will release on Thursday, August 11, 2022,” he said.
The mission launched on Monday, August 1 2022, has engaged state and non-state actors including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the Kenya National Commission for Human Rights, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, security agencies, political parties, political coalitions, the media, political parties, civil society and religious organisation.
Dr Kikwete said that in the mission’s assessment so far, it had observed a generally calm electoral, political and security environment.
“For this, we wish to thank the political leadership, the people of Kenya and the institutions responsible for electoral processes in the country. We appeal to all Kenyans, the various political coalitions, parties and independent candidates to maintain peace and aspire for a successful and peaceful election,” he said, adding, that a peaceful and successful general election will be a win not just for Kenya but the entire East African Community.
Among the contestants include;
William Ruto, 55, the Country’s Deputy president, Opposition leader Raila Odinga, on of Kenya’s first vice president, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, David Mwaure in his sixth attempt, Law professor George Wajackoyah.