AMECEA: Observation Team from AMECEA Region Trained to Aid Quality of Elections in Kenya
AMECEA Election Observers Mission Under KCCB CJPD
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Prior to the General Elections in Kenya that was conducted on Tuesday, August 9, a group of observers drawn from various countries within the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) region were trained to support the election process to ensure quality of elections and promote transparency and accountability.
In his opening remarks before the commencement of the training, the AMECEA Secretary General Fr. Anthony Makunde reminded about 25 observers drawn from Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and South Sudan i that the “Church has a responsibility to play an active role on social issues and to form the conscious of the people so that social issues may be addressed in a proper way.”
He stressed that observing elections is an indicator of the Catholic Church encouraging good governance in her social duty hence, “As a Church we are not only to preach about good governance but also form the conscious of political and community leaders so they may abide by the principles and values of good governance.”
Additionally, the Secretary General shared with the election observers that they are in Kenya “for a pastoral mission” and their presence in the country should allow them learn from each other and borrow good traits for implementation in their various countries. On his part while conducting the training, Mr. Eustace Kinyua Ndiga an electoral processes officer informed the observers that their key role is “to intervene in election process if relevant laws or standard procedures are being violated or ignored.”
Mr. Kinyua who was from the Elections Observations Group (ELOG) highlighted the objectives of election observers saying, “The team is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process and offer an impartial, balanced and informed assessment.” At the same time, the observers are “To increase public confidence in the electoral process by encouraging all stakeholders in the elections to participate freely in a conducive environment free of intimidation and violence.”
He narrated further that the team is expected “To identify strengths, opportunities, challenges and weaknesses that can be harnessed into best practices and lessons by the EMB (Electoral Management Body),” and “to assess the extent to which the electoral outcome reflected the will of the people in line with international, continental and regional norms and standards governing the democratic conduct of elections.”
During the training on Election observation as a valuable tool for improving the quality of elections, Mr. Kinyua underscored that the exercise is significant since it “enhancing public confidence in the electoral processes, promotes accountability and transparency, eases political tensions and deters improper electoral practices.”
Kenyan’s are still waiting patiently for the counting and tallying of results after peaceful elections on Tuesday, August 9.
