Kenya Decides: Heads of International election observation, experts issue joint statement

More than 15 commonwealth election observers are in Kenya ahead of Tuesday’s general elections.

Nairobi, Kenya – August 6, 2022: The joint pre-election statement was issued on Friday, August, 5 as Kenyans go the general election on August 9, 2022.

This was also the second statement issued by the same group in less than one week, calling for all Kenyan to choose peace.

Read full statement below:

We, the Heads of the international election observation and expert missions in Kenya, have been following preparations for the 9 August 2022 general elections by all stakeholders in Kenya, including the campaign activities of political parties, party coalitions, and candidates. We call on the leadership of all political parties and their supporters, as well as civil society, faith-based organizations, and all other stakeholders, to ensure a continuation of the calm and peaceful atmosphere during the remaining phases of the electoral process.

We also call on all those with a specific mandate to the 9 August elections to conduct their responsibilities with the utmost diligence and transparency, as well as compliance with the legal framework of Kenya and the country’s international obligations and commitments for democratic elections. Lastly, we urge all stakeholders and citizens to pursue any grievances that may occur peacefully and through the established legal channels.

As we continue observing the electoral preparations across the country, we stand in solidarity with the people of Kenya in their desire for peaceful and credible elections.

1. Joint AU-COMESA Election Observation Mission – His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, Former President of Sierra Leone
2. Carter Center Election Expert Mission – Ben Graham Jones, Team Leader
3. Commonwealth Observer Group – His Excellency Bruce Golding, Former Prime Minister of Jamaica
4. EISA Election Observation Mission – His Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former President of Nigeria
5. EU Election Observation Mission – Honourable Ivan Stefanec, Member of the European Parliament
6. IGAD Election Observation Mission – His Excellency Dr. Mulatu Teshome, Former President of Ethiopia
7. IRI/NDI Election Observation Mission – His Excellency Joaquim Chissano, Former President of Mozambique

What you need to know:

The Commonwealth has been observing electoral processes for over four decades. In that time, more than 160 elections have been observed in 40 countries. ​Commonwealth Observer Groups (COGs) are independent and autonomous and will normally be chaired by a former Head of Government or senior political figure.

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They are composed of eminent persons from a range of fields, including electoral commissioners, parliamentarians, legal experts, gender experts, human rights experts, and media experts. Most COGs will also have a youth representative.

Members are drawn from all regions of the Commonwealth and are appointed in their individual capacities. All missions are supported by a small team from the Secretariat.

Each COG is constituted by the Secretary-General following an invitation or welcome from a country’s election management body or government.