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The African Union Commission (AUC) Tuesday announced the appointment of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya to lead a team of observers for the upcoming general election in South Africa.
Set to helm the AU Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), President Uhuru Kenyatta will play a pivotal role in overseeing the electoral process in South Africa from May 21 to June, coinciding with the nation’s general election scheduled for May 29.
The AUEOM, as disclosed by commission chairperson Moussa Faki, will consist of 60 short-term observers (STOs) and three Core Team electoral experts. These seasoned individuals will be tasked with the critical responsibility of impartially assessing the quality of the electoral process, in alignment with regional, continental, and international standards for democratic elections.
One of the primary objectives of the AUEOM is to provide comprehensive reporting and assessment of the electoral conduct, offering valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing future electoral processes based on their findings. This multifaceted approach aims to contribute to the consolidation of democratic governance, peace, and stability in South Africa.
Engaging with various stakeholders and meticulously observing the final preparations and polling process, the AUEOM will issue a preliminary statement following election day, outlining its observations and recommendations. Importantly, the mission seeks to demonstrate the African Union’s solidarity and support for South Africa’s democratization process, emphasizing the significance of democratic, credible, and peaceful elections in fostering stability and progress.
The observer mission draws its mandate from a range of AU instruments, including the AU guidelines for elections observation and monitoring missions (2002), the OUA/AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (2002), the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (1981), and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007). These frameworks underscore the AU’s commitment to upholding democratic values and promoting good governance across the continent.
Furthermore, the AUEOM aligns with Aspiration 3 of the AU Agenda 2063, which stresses the importance of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law in achieving sustainable development and prosperity for all African nations.
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