Former Chief Justice (CJ) David Maraga has been appointed to lead a team of 14 Election Observation Teams from the East African Community (EAC) to monitor the upcoming general elections in Rwanda.
EAC Secretary General Veronica M. Nduva deployed the team and handed over the mission to CJ Maraga on Friday, July 12.
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Nduva stated that the EAC expects the mission to cover various parts of the four provinces of Rwanda.
“Today, I officially launched and deployed the EAC observer mission for the Rwanda Elections 2024. I also handed over the leadership of the mission to Hon. Chief Justice (emeritus) David Maraga. I take this opportunity to wish the Republic of Rwanda a successful election,” Nduva said.
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She explained that the team will observe the elections in accordance with international laws and practices, noting that Rwanda has already established electoral laws and procedures.
“Our role is to observe the conduct of the election in line with the country’s laws and offer support as a partner state. We are committed to working together to enhance our integration process,” she added.
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Nduva also mentioned that Somalia, DRC, and Burundi did not send observer delegations to Rwanda.
She clarified that Burundi sent apologies, while Somalia and DRC are in the process of integrating into the EAC.
“There are several elections coming up, and we look forward to broader deployments,” she concluded.
Maraga’s Remarks
In his remarks, CJ Emeritus Maraga highlighted that another EAC team had conducted a detailed analysis of Rwanda’s electoral preparedness.
He emphasized that their findings have shaped the strategies for the entire mission, ensuring a comprehensive approach to election observation.
Maraga’s appointment comes amid social media calls by a section of Kenyans urging President William Ruto to consider him for the position of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson.
Also Read: David Maraga Set to be Honored in a Special Way; Here is Why
What Made Maraga Popular
Maraga, along with other Supreme Court judges, made history after nullifying the 2017 presidential election results and ordering a new vote — the first such ruling in Africa.
He granted the request in a petition by opposition candidate Raila Odinga challenging the reelection of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“The presidential election was not conducted in accordance with the constitution, rendering the declared results invalid, null, and void,” Chief Justice David Maraga ruled to pave way for fresh elections within 60 days.
In 2020, Maraga made headlines when he advised President Uhuru Kenyatta to dissolve Parliament due to its failure to enact legislation required to implement the two-thirds gender rule.
“The petitions are based on the ground that despite four court orders compelling Parliament to enact the legislation, Parliament has blatantly failed, refused, or neglected to do so,” Maraga explained.
Also Read: Ruto Fires All CSs, IEBC Bill Now Law & Gen Z Bashing Raila Over Dialogue- The Roundup
Rwanda Elections
Rwandans are scheduled to vote on Monday, July 15, choosing from three presidential candidates and over 500 aspiring MPs.
President Paul Kagame who has ruled for 23 years will face Frank Habineza of the opposition Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.
The Liberal Party (PL) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD) endorsed Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) candidate Paul Kagame, joining four smaller parties in a coalition with the ruling RPF to endorse Kagame.
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