Kenya: EU deploys Election Observation Mission

Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, said: "Kenya is a beacon of stability in the horn of Africa. Credible elections carried out at international standards would endorse Kenya as a stability factor in the region and will allow it to continue its political transition to a sustainable democracy. I believe that by observing these elections, we will contribute to the consolidation and further advancement of democracy in Kenya."

The EOM Core Team of eleven has left for Kenya today to set up and co-ordinate the observation mission. A total of 36 Long Term Observers will be deployed at the end of November to assess the campaign period and pre-election preparations around the country. 90 Short Term Observers will join the mission over the election-day period to observe voting, counting and the tabulation of results. The EU EOM will operate in line with the "Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation", commemorated at the United Nations in October 2005, and the Kenyan code of conduct for elections. The EU EOM will stay in the country for a number of weeks after the election-day in order to assess the post-election period.

EU Election Observation Missions are an important instrument for building confidence in the democratic processes of a country and are deployed according to the EU's commitment to promote democracy, human rights and the respect for the rule of law. The EU has made available €4,6 million from the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) for this mission.

The European Commission is one of Kenya's most important development cooperation partners and is providing funds to assist the country in implementing its development and socio-economic reform agenda.

For additional information, see also:
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/europeaid/projects/eidhr/index_en.htm

The EU's Human rights and Democratisation Policy - EU Election Assistance & Observation

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