AU sends election observers to Kenya
By Sharon Tibenda
18th Feb 2013:
The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has approved the deployment of an AU Short-Term Observation (STO) Mission to observe the Kenyan general elections scheduled for March 4, 2013.
The Mission will be led by H.E. Joaquim A. Chissano, Former President of the Republic of Mozambique and will comprise of sixty (60) observers drawn from members of African Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs), Civil Society Organizations, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) of the African Union.
The AU STO Mission will be deployed on 20 February 2013 and will complement the work of the AU Long-Term Observers/Experts who have been deployed to Kenya since 10 January 2013.
The Mission is in line with key AU democracy and elections instruments, such as The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance;
The AU/OAU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa; and The AU Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions.
As part of his activities, the Mission Leader, H.E. Joaquim Chissano will meet relevant stakeholders in Kenya. These include President Mwai Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and the Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Others lined up for the meeting are Kenya’s Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, political party leaders, civil society organisations, and the country’s security agencies. END: Login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories mid-week for our updates
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