EAC Election Observation Mission wants 2/3 gender rule observed

The EAC Election Observation Mission (EAC-EOM) has decried cases of disinformation, misinformation and hate speech through social media.

The mission led by former Tanzanian President Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete commended various stakeholders like faith-based organisations, civil society organisations, private sector for striving to address these issue as well as the mainstream media for voter education and coverage of the electoral process.

Speaking during a press briefing convened to release the preliminary findings of the EAC-EOM in Nairobi, the Head of Mission, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete said th mission noted with concern the complaints made by young people that political parties did not provide them adequate space and opportunity for them to participate as candidates in the elections.

“We consider this a serious matter which needs attention and In the same vein, we call upon the political actors and government to ensure that the two-thirds gender rule is observed to the letter and spirit.” Said Dr. Kikwete.

While the mission commended the present of agents at the polling stations, it observed that it was only the major political parties that were able to deploy agents.

Dr. Kikwete said that the mission observed that agents of political parties and candidates were present at polling stations and were not encumbered in performing their duties.

He said that the EAC Observers noted that the party agents were placed too far from the polling official identifying the voters and called on the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to consider placing party agents close to such officials to ascertain the authenticity of the voters.

“With regard to the layout of the polling stations, it is the opinion of the EAC Observers that the party agents were placed too far from the polling official identifying the For purposes of enhancing checks and balances, in future, the IEBC should consider placing party agents close to that official to ascertain the authenticity of the voters.” Said Dr. Kikwete.

The mission expressed satisfaction at the manner in which the voting exercise in the Kenya 2022 General Election was conducted and called on Kenyans to continue maintaining peace after the results of the elections are declared.

Further the mission lauded the IEBC for the improvements made in regards to transparency, preparations, and management of the 2022 Kenya General Election.

“The Mission commends the IEBC on the successful use of technology in voter registration, voter identification and transmission of results. It has improved efficiency, and increased transparency of the election process,” said Dr.Kikwete.

The EAC Secretary General Dr. Peter Mathuki constituted the East African Community Election Observation Mission to the 2022 Kenya General Election, drawn from the EAC region, following the invitation of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of the Republic of Kenya.

The mission was deployed in 16 teams in 27 counties in the following administrative regions: Nairobi region, Central region, Nyanza region, Eastern region, Western region, Rift Valley and Coastal region.

On polling day, they were able to observe elections in 218 polling stations.

The Mission undertook consultations with stakeholders including, the Chairman of the IEBC Wafula Chebukati and IEBC commissioners, the Chief Justice Martha Koome, Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi, and all the four Presidential candidates: Deputy President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga,  Reverend David Waihiga and Professor George Wajackoyah, amongst other stakeholders.

The Head of the EAC-EOM in Kenya, @jmkikwete and the Deputy Head of Mission, Hon.Fatuma Ndangiza this afternoon held a meeting with Roots Party Presidential candidate, Prof. George Wajackoyah, to deliberate on the level of preparedness for the elections, to inform EAC’s mission . pic.twitter.com/X642SN0i0P

— East African Community (@jumuiya) August 11, 2022