Kenya 2022 Election: CommonWealth Observer Group’s Final Report
The conclusive document regarding the 2022 national elections in Kenya has been published today by the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG). This election marked the victory of William Ruto, who now holds the position of the fifth president of the nation.
The group of 15 representatives, headed by The Hon. Bruce Golding, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, determined that despite a few difficulties, the election was generally deemed as trustworthy, open, encompassing, and mostly devoid of violence.
The Group acknowledged the commitment and diligent efforts of the personnel from the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as well as the polling staff in successfully carrying out this intricate logistical endeavor.
While recognizing substantial enhancements in the utilization of electoral advancements in contrast to the prior election, the committee pinpointed a few aspects that could be enhanced. These include addressing the delays observed during the final stages of result announcements and enhancing the transparency surrounding the completion of the voter register.
The Group was deployed in 14 teams from 7 to 9 August to Nairobi (including Kiambu), Central (Nyeri, Kitui, and Meru), Coast (Mombasa), North Eastern (Machakos), Nyanza (Kisumu, Kisii), Rift Valley (Nakuru, Eldoret, Kitale and West Pokot) and Western Region (Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia).
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The conclusive document, which has been formally sent to the Kenyan government and shared with pertinent parties, expands upon the outcomes of the initial declaration released shortly after the elections on August 11, 2022. It offers a thorough evaluation of the complete electoral procedure.
The report contains several suggestions intended to tackle the lack of interest in voting, especially among the youth, which was noticeable due to the low voter participation.
These suggestions involve urging the IEBC, civil society groups, and the entire nation to enhance voter education. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of political parties involving young individuals in significant ways throughout the electoral process, rather than just during the election period.
The committee also advised the necessity to completely enforce important constitutional and legal elements, such as the constitutional requirement for a two-thirds gender representation and the 2013 Legislation on Election Campaign Financing.
They observed that the IEBC must receive a more substantial portion of its funding at the beginning of the electoral cycle, rather than later. This early funding would enable the IEBC to effectively plan and carry out its electoral tasks, such as boundary delimitation, within the timeline it prefers.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:
“I thank the IEBC for inviting us to observe this election. The Commonwealth Observer Group played a crucial role during the elections.
I applaud their efforts and I hope that their recommendations will be received in the Commonwealth spirit of constructive engagement as part of efforts to improve future electoral processes.
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I will personally be following Kenya’s progress in implementing the Observer Group’s recommendations, and the Commonwealth Secretariat will continue to offer all necessary support to the people and government of Kenya in their journey of democratic development through our whole-of-election cycle approach.”
The Commonwealth Secretariat has recently stated the ongoing conflict and turmoil within the nation.
During the mission, Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo, Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, headed a team from the Commonwealth Secretariat that assisted the observers.
Kenya 2022 Election: CommonWealth Observer Group’s Final Report
