EAC Observer Mission satisfied with how Kenyan polls were conducted
The East African Community (EAC) has acknowledged satisfaction with how the elections were conducted.
Former Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete who is leading the EAC election Observer Mission stated campaigns were conducted peacefully however noting there were isolated incidents of insecurity but did not affect the overall process.
“We observed campaigns, delivery of electoral materials, and election day campaigns were conducted peacefully. There were isolated incidents of insecurity but didn’t affect the overall process,” Kikwete said.
EAC further commended Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) for the organisation of the process, especially the involvement of young women.
“Going by the way the elections were conducted the people of Kenya were given a chance to freely elect leaders of their choice in a free manner. We hope they will get the leaders of their choice in the next stages of the process,” he said.
Additionally, Kiwkwete indicated technology increased efficiency, and transparency in the electoral process.
“However there were challenges with the KIEMS kits (voter identification kits) but there’s a need to correct the mishaps seen,” he said.
Kikwete pointed out that party agents were distant from where voters were being counted.
“In the future, party agents should be nearby to confirm the authenticity of votes,” he stated.
He advised anyone who was dissatisfied with the results to turn to the country’s legal system for answers.
