 has expressed satisfaction at how the voting exercise in the Kenya 2022 General Election){kind=link}
The East African Community’s Election Observation Mission (EAC-EOM) has expressed satisfaction at how the voting exercise in the Kenya 2022 General Election was conducted and called on Kenyans to continue maintaining peace after the results of the elections are declared.
The Head of the EAC observation Mission, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of Tanzania lauded the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the improvements in transparency, preparations, and management of the 2022 Kenya General Election.
“The Mission commends the IEBC on the successful use of technology in voter registration, voter identification, and transmission of results. It has improved efficiency, and increased transparency of the election process,” said Dr.Kikwete.
Dr. Kikwete cited challenges in the identification of voters using the KIEMS kits and recommended prompt identification and resolution of the problems relating to the kits for better performance in future elections.
“Further, the Mission noted that at various stages of the electoral process, there were problems associated with social media, particularly regarding disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech,” said Dr. Kikwete.
“The Mission commends various stakeholders for their efforts to address these challenges and more so the mainstream media for voter education and coverage of the electoral process,” he added.
Dr. Kikwete said that the EAC-EOM witnessed a calm, peaceful, and orderly environment.
“Most polling stations opened on time, but there were a few which opened late for various reasons including late setting up of the station, late arrival of polling materials or polling officials,” he said.
The Head of Mission said that at all polling stations, security personnel was present and highly professional in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.
“The security personnel did not interfere with electoral processes nor did they intimidate voters. The Mission commends the Kenya Police Service for a job very well done,” he said.
Dr. Kikwete said that the mission observed that agents of political parties and candidates were present at polling stations and were not encumbered in performing their duties.
Four Presidential candidates were in the ballot box but the tight race is between former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga and Deputy President, William Ruto.
Kenyan local television network display different fingures in the screens but the IEBC is not yet declare the election result to confirmed the next President of Kenya.