The European Union (EU) Observation Mission Chief Observer Marietje Schaake has presented a preliminary report of the ongoing electoral process as Kenyans anxiously wait for results. “Kenyans seem determined to overcome scars from the past and to shape a more common democratic future. This democratic spirit and respect for the rule of law as forms reflecting votes cast continue to come in,” she said, adding that whoever loses should be able to congratulate the victor in a democratic manner.
According to the report, a problematic electoral reform process resulted in the little time for the preparation of elections especially given the requirements provided by new technology. Schaake said the newly appointed electoral team struggled a bit, “The newly appointed IEBC team showed resilience, however, struggled with communication and finalization of the polling procedure.” She said the campaign trail before the polls was characterized by a large number of legal challenges, which clearly created a strain towards the electoral body. The EU mission leader said IEBC has shown its commitment by posting the results online.
The observation team noted great commitment by Kenyans who turned out in large numbers to vote, “Voters showed exceptional commitment and determination to cast their votes before polling stations were opened and there were extensive queues. The EU election observation mission team saw security officers were well deployed, and the candidates and their agents were present and were able to operate freely,” she said.
Even though they noted problems with secrecy and voter identification, she applauded the voting and counting of votes, “Voting and counting was assessed as very well conducted and transparent,” she said, “Voting was consistently well assessed by EU election mission observers in Jubilee and NASA strongholds as well as in swing constituencies.”
“Democracy is more than one man one woman one vote requires democratic institutions and rule of law, hope no matter what future detail findings may be Kenyans will experience benefits of the democratic process,” she said.
The final assessment of the elections is set to consider the conduct during tallying and the petition processes.