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Nairobi, KENYA | JUMUIYA | The East African Community Election Observation Mission to Kenya’s 8th August 2017 General Elections has been launched in Nairobi, Kenya, with an appeal to all Kenyans to vote calmly and uphold peace and tranquillity for the betterment of all Kenyans and the East African region as a whole.
Launching the Mission this morning, the Head of the Mission, Prof. Edward B. Rugumayo said the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC mandates and tasks the Partner States to enhance universally acceptable principles of good governance that include democracy, rule of law, freedom, observance of human rights and social justice, accountability, transparency, equal opportunities, gender equality; and cooperation in political affairs.
Prof. Rugumayo disclosed that the Mission comprises 60 members, drawn from Electoral Management Bodies, National Legislative Assemblies, members of the Former East African Legislative Assembly, National Human Rights Commissions, Civil Society, EAC Youth Ambassadors and the EAC Secretariat.
Prof. Rugumayo further disclosed that the Community attaches great importance to promotion of democratic governance as a strong foundation for the region’s political and economic integration, which is also the guarantee for political stability in the region.
“Our vision of a prosperous, competitive, secure, stable and politically united East Africa can only be attained through economic growth, peace and security with a stamp of legitimate governments by the citizenry, asserted the Head of the Mission, adding that “this is why we are keen on free and fair, transparent and credible elections in all the Partner States”.
He wished the citizens of Kenya success in choosing their President and all other leaders through this important democratic exercise, saying “it is in this way that the gains in democracy, national development and reconciliation processes made will be consolidated for securing the future of Kenyans“.
#EAC Election Observer Mission to the 8th August General Elections in Kenya launched https://t.co/3YEMmX68Rv #Kenya2017 pic.twitter.com/o6XtVVVfen
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“The people of East Africa will continue to accompany the Kenyans in this and other endeavours towards promotion of sustainable homegrown solutions”.
At the same occasion, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge, said the Community was proud to be associated with elections in the Partner States under the guidance of the EAC Treaty and decisions of the Council of Ministers. He commended representatives from sister Observer Missions from COMESA, IGAD, AU and EU for attending the occasion.
The Deputy Secretary General urged the EAC Election Observers to be impartial and objective and be guided by the democratic principles and values outlined in the African Charter for Democracy, Elections and Governance and the EAC Principles for Election Observation and Evaluation.
