Kenya is all set to hold its general elections next week on August 9, with voters choosing the next president of the country, reported The CGTN Africa.
To monitor Kenya’s elections, the East African Community (EAC) has appointed a delegation of election observers that will be led by former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
The EAC mission comprises of 52 observers drawn from key governance and independent institutions and civil society organizations across the seven-member states, excluding Kenya. The team will stay in Kenya until August 12.
The four main candidates running for the presidential post are Deputy President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, George Wajackoyah and David Mwaure are in the running.
The EAC election observer delegation will monitor the election to ensure it is conducted in compliance of the process to national and international standards.
“We are here to assess the level of preparedness of the key electoral stakeholders for this election,” The East African newspaper quoted Tanzanian President Kikwete.
He said the EAC delegation will look at the level of compliance of the electoral processes and management and how they meet international, regional and national standards including established laws, principles and practices. He added that the mission will interact with a number of key stakeholders in pursuit of peaceful elections including the IEBC, political parties, candidates, the judiciary, security organs, media and civil society.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya said it is ready to hold a credible election and has urged Kenyans to maintain peace during the entire process.
In related news, the United States embassy in Kenya has warned American citizens against travel to the lakeside city of Kisumu ahead of next week’s general election.
In a security alert, the embassy says election-related demonstrations may occur in the western city, and in some instances may turn violent.
