A joint international election observation mission to Kenya has been announced by the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has accredited the two non-profit groups to observe the August 9 General Elections, and they have confirmed that they are in the nation at the Government of Kenya’s invitation.
His Excellency Joaquim Alberto Chissano, a former president of Mozambique, will serve as the delegation’s leader. He will be joined by IRI Board Vice Chairman Randy Scheunemann, NDI Board Member Donna Brazile, and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Johnnie Carson.
Political and community leaders, electoral specialists, and regional experts from 12 nations in Africa, Europe, and North America are among the delegation’s 30 members.
“We are here to demonstrate our support for credible election,” said President Chissano.
“This election will be significant as it will mark the third transition to a new President since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 2002, and the third election since Kenya promulgated a new constitution in 2010. We call upon the political actors, civil society, and the people of Kenya to commit to peaceful, free, fair and transparent elections, as well as a smooth transition.” The former Mozambican leader said
“This year’s elections in Kenya present a real opportunity to cement democratic progress, build inclusive political leadership, and embrace high voter participation. A fair, transparent, and peaceful election process will strengthen Kenya and its democratic institutions for the long term. There’s a lot at stake,” said Donna Brazile.
A core group of topic specialists who have been in Nairobi since May will be joined by the short-term observers. In order to perform an in-depth evaluation of the procedure, the delegation will meet with electoral authorities, political parties, government representatives, leaders of civil society, and other important actors.
Additionally, it will monitor every stage of the electoral process while taking into account the findings and suggestions of the two NDI/IRI pre-election assessment missions that were carried out in May and late June.
More than 200 international election observation missions have been organized by IRI and NDI around the world, giving them a reputation for objectivity and professionalism. The United Nations’ 2005 Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct will guide the NDI/IRI mission’s operations in Kenya.
The mission will use regional and global norms for democratic elections as the foundation for its findings and recommendations. All actions will be taken in accordance with Kenyan law, without interfering with the election process, and on a totally nonpartisan basis.