Following the invitation by the Government of Kenya to observe the 9 August 2022 General Elections, the African Union (AU), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC) deployed a high-level pre-election assessment mission from 14 to 21 May 2022, as part of their joint efforts to promote free, fair, peaceful and credible elections in the country.

The Mission was led by H.E Domitien Ndayizeye, former President of Burundi and current Chairperson of the African Union Panel of the Wise. It included: Hon. Amre Mahmoud Moussa, former Foreign Minister of Egypt and Member of the AU Panel of the Wise; Hon. Mike Kennedy Sebalu, Member of the EAC Eminent Persons; Amb. Ashraf Rashed, Chairperson of COMESA Committee of Elders; Amb. Marie Pierre Llyod, Member of COMESA Committee of Elders; Hon. Monique Andreas Esoavelomandroso, Member of COMESA Committee of Elders, independent electoral experts and technical support staff from AU Commission, COMESA and EAC Secretariats.

The purpose of the Mission was to assess the state of preparedness for the 9 August 2022 General elections and engage in consultations and dialogue with key stakeholders to ensure violence-free, fair and credible elections that will strengthen Kenya’s democratic process. During the visit, the delegation engaged key political and electoral stakeholders, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, the Registrar of Political Parties, political party coalitions, and representatives of CSOs and the private sector, among others.

Upon consultations with the various stakeholders, the Mission commended the authorities and people of Kenya for their endeavour toward holding successful elections in August 2022. The Mission encouraged all stakeholders to continue with efforts geared toward creating a conducive environment for peaceful, credible and inclusive elections. It further encouraged political tolerance and peace cultivation among citizens before, during and after the 9 August 2022 elections.

The joint AU-COMESA-EAC high-level mission assured the Government and people of Kenya of their commitment to supporting the country’s efforts to entrench a culture of democracy and peace, which is a critical prerequisite for sustainable socio-economic development.

Presented by H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye
Former President of Burundi and Chairperson of the AU Panel of the Wise
Nairobi, Kenya: 20 May 2022

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