The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Thursday, July 14 announced former Ethiopian President Dr Mulatu Teshome as the head of its election observer mission to Kenya.
Moreover, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu stated that; “IGAD is honored to be invited by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya to observe this year’s general elections, and the regional organization is pleased to continue to work with the people of Kenya, electoral institution, political leaders, and other observer missions to advance the democratization process.”
Dr. Workneh further reported that IGAD is honored to have Dr Mulatu Teshome lead the IGAD election observer mission, as he is a well-respected Statesman and a distinguished diplomat.
In addition, Workneh wished Kenyans a democratic, peaceful, and successful election.
Furthermore, IGAD is made up of eight member states including; Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.
Likewise, the announcement by IGAD comes two weeks after the European Union deployed an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Kenya.
Josep Borrell, who is the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission named Ivan Štefanec, who is a Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer for the mission.
Similarly, Commonwealth also appointed Botswana’s former President Festus Mogae, to lead its observer group for the August 9, General Election.
The observer group comprising of 20 members are set to be in Kenya for the August 9 polls at the invitation of the IEBC.
“Election observation is an essential component of our efforts to support member countries to strengthen the processes, culture, and institutions of democracy, and to enable citizen participation and representation at all levels,” Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland stated.
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Furthermore, an advance team from the Commonwealth will arrive on July 16, ahead of the Group’s arrival, to meet key stakeholders, including the election management body, political parties, civil society groups, media, and other international observers.