The observers were deployed by the European Union in Kenya three weeks ago. They were distributed in 39 counties and are expected to support Kenya’s democratic institutions.
Among the 48 long term observers is the technology analyst who will assess the technologies used in the election process, there is also a team of six individuals in the deported team that will monitor the social media, radio stations and digital communication.
The team is part of European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM). The mission was launched on Saturday July 16, Joseph Borrell, the European commission Vice-President said that Kenya and the European Union share a very strong relationship.
“The forthcoming general elections in Kenya will be crucial for citizens to determine what future lies ahead; for electoral stakeholders to showcase their commitment to democracy, with fair competition among candidates in peaceful elections; and for the region at large to promote stability,” he said.
Since the European Union started observing the Kenyan elections in 2002, this was their 5th mission. The EU EOM chief observer Ivan Stefanec, said that their mission is to ensure that elections are conducted well.
“Our mission started with the arrival of a core team of 12 election experts with competencies in various fields nearly three weeks ago, and this week we deployed 48 long-term observers in teams of two to cover 39 counties across Kenya. This reflects the EU’s established election observation methodology, which is based on a long-term approach and focuses on the entire electoral process,” said Štefanec.
He explained that more European Union representatives will arrive in Kenya in the final days towards elections, “In total, around 180 observers from EU Member States, Norway, Switzerland and Canada, will observe the voting, counting, and tabulation process on 9 August. The European Union EOM will issue a preliminary statement shortly after the Election Day and will remain in Kenya until the completion of the electoral process, including in case of a second round of presidential elections, and any complaints and appeals processes,” he added.
Štefanec concluded that that the observers will work with good code of conduct and neutral with no interference with external factors.
The report of that will be written by the EU through its observers will include all the process from election to the swearing in of the leaders.
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