Raila Odinga’s Bid for AU Top Seat Teeter on Edge over New Rules that Might Lock Him Out
Nairobi – ODM leader Raila Odinga’s bid to become the next chairperson of the Africa Union Commission is facing new hurdles.
According to NTV, there are proposed new regulations for the election of senior AU members that might prevent Raila from participating in the competition.
What proposed rules mean for Raila Odinga’s candidature
The suggested modifications aim to overhaul the election process for the leaders of the continental organization’s secretariat, to enhance efficiency.
As per the circulated draft amendments sent to member states, any nation that has previously occupied the role of chairperson or deputy chairperson is not allowed to nominate a candidate.
“Any member state that occupied a position from that region should be ineligible for future elections until all member states of the region served as members of the senior leadership of the commission,” the proposal reads.
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As per the prior agreement, the position is subject to rotation. Therefore, the upcoming chairperson must be selected from the Eastern Africa region.
According to the suggested modifications, Kenya and Rwanda would be disqualified from competing because they have previously served as deputy chairpersons since the establishment of the AU in 2002.
The ultimate decision on the suggested modifications now rests in the hands of the heads of state and governments, determining the destiny of the former prime ministers.
As per the tradition, AU decisions are made by consensus, which means a single ‘No’ drags the decision from becoming formal law.
“It is not yet law. The process of validating and publishing decisions takes long. The final decision will reflect members’ will,” an official said
What you need to know about Raila Odinga’s AU bid
- Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo endorsed ODM leader Raila Odinga as chairperson of the African Union Commission.
- Lawyer Miguna Miguna raised concerns about Raila’s eligibility for the African Union Commission position.
- Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party principals threw their weight behind their leader Raila’s bid for the top AU position.
- President William Ruto hopes his political foe-turned-ally will succeed in his African Union Commission chairmanship bid.
Raila Odinga’s Bid for AU Top Seat Teeter on Edge over New Rules that Might Lock Him Out