AU-COMESA unveil Joint election observer mission to assess polls next week

The African Union (AU) and the Common Market for Southern and Eastern Africa (COMESA) have formally commissioned a joint election observation committee whose main role will be reviewing how the General Election will be held next week.

This is in line with the regional bodies' mandate to promote free and fair democratic elections across the African continent.

90 observers, picked from various governments, Member States, the Pan African Parliament, the Civil Society Organizations, Academia and Election Management Bodies in Africa, make up the joint mission.

On Sunday, August 7, 2022 the Joint Mission will also deploy short-term observers to polling stations across the country. 

Former Sierra Leone president, Ernest Bai Koroma, will lead the Joint Mission while former Seychelles Minister of Health and Social Development, Ambassador Marie-Pierre Lloyd - a Member of the COMESA Committee of Elders - will support him in the role. 

Other high-profile members on the Joint Mission committee include: team leader Ben Graham, former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, member of the European Parliament Ivan Stefanac, Former Ethiopian President Dr. Mulatu Teshome and Fomer Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano.

According to Koroma, the Joint Mission will remain impartial in its assessment of how the polls will be conducted.

"We call on the leadership of all political parties and their supporters, as well as civil society, faith-based organisations, and all other stakeholders, to ensure a continuation of the calm and peaceful atmosphere during the remaining phases of the electoral process," he said.

 "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."