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The European Union Election Observation Mission to Kenya has issued a detailed report on the August 9 elections.

The report released followed a comprehensive analysis of the August 9 election based on the role of the media, social media campaigns during the period, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC‘s) performance as well, compliance with national and International law, and the political temperatures at the time.

“The European Union (EU) deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the 9 August general elections in Kenya following an invitation from the Kenyan authorities,” the report reads in parts.

The EU EOM was present from 26 June to 6 September 2022. The mission’s mandate was to observe all aspects of the electoral process and assess the extent to which the elections complied with international and regional commitments for elections, as well as with national legislation,” the report added.

The report highlighted positive elements regarding the country’s democratic development. It also pointed out challenges faced by the IEBC during the electioneering period.

Among the challenges listed included the lack of resources as well as political divisions that undermined transparency during the elections.

“The IEBC’s administration of the elections was challenged by a lack of financial and human resources, a dearth of proper communication that undermined transparency, as well as political divisions
that became fully apparent as the process developed,” the report reads in parts.

It also had twenty-one recommendations that were aimed at improving the country’s future elections.

Among the key recommendations are improving election technology and enhancing transparency during the elections.

The group also urged the IEBC to introduce special procedures for special voting of the election officials to avoid multiple voting.

“We hope that these recommendations contribute to conversations and engagement on electoral reforms in Kenya to strengthen the full achievement of fundamental principles and values of democratic elections in line with the expectations of the Kenyan people,” the report reads in parts.