15 observation teams deployed as electorate pick leaders today
The East African Community (EAC) has deployed 15 election observation teams to monitor today’s election.
Head of EAC Election Observation Mission and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete at the weekend said the observers had undergone training over the past five days to enable them undertake their responsibilities as International and EAC Observers.Kikwete said the 52-strong EAC observer mission drawn from EAC member States and East African Legislative Assembly had been deployed in 15 teams that will cover all counties countrywide.
“The main task for our observers will be to observe ongoing electoral campaigns, polling processes on the polling day including results management at polling stations and observe tallying, announcement and declaration of results,” Kikwete said.
Former Head of State also said the mission will prepare a preliminary report on what it had observed during the electoral process.The EAC member states are Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda.Mission has also engaged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, security agencies, political parties and coalitions, the media, civil society and religious organisations.
Calm environment
Kikwete said they have so far observed a generally calm electoral, political and security environment.
“For this, we wish to thank the political leadership, the people of Kenya and institutions responsible for electoral processes. 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.
During the flag off, Kikwete further observed that a peaceful and successful General Election will be a win not just for Kenya but the entire EAC.
Present at the flagging off ceremony were the Deputy Head of Mission and EALA MP Fatuma Ndangiza, EAC Secretary General Peter Mathuki, EAC Partner States Ambassadors and High Commissioners to Kenya among others.
