Ombudsman to deploy 690 observers in 33 counties

The Ombudsman will deploy 690 observers in 33 counties to address access to information during today’s election.

The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) chairperson Florence Kajuju (pictured) said the observers will also address issues of administrative justice as well as the general adherence to procedures during the entire electoral process.

This includes voting, counting, tallying and transmission of results.

Kajuju said the election is critical in the advancement of good governance which is the commission’ mandate.

“The commission shall oversee the public electoral management processes to mitigate against abuse of power, unfair treatment, manifest injustice or unlawful, oppressive, unfair, or unresponsive official conduct,’ she stated in a statement.

She added: “Monitoring and observation of elections are essential pillars of electoral governance and play a critical role in building public confidence while providing valuable feedback for electoral system reforms.”

Information access

Kajuju said her office will also monitor implementation of the access to information for the media and election observers.

“Access to information is therefore crucial to foster transparency and hence the commission’s position that it not only has the ability, but shall firmly enforce access to information,” she explained.