Former US Secretary of State to Observe Kenya August Elections
Former United States Secretary of State John Kerry together with former Senegalese Prime Minister Aminata Touré will lead Carter Center’s election observation mission in Kenya.
The two were chosen by the organization to steward a delegation of more than 50 observers who will be monitoring the August 8 elections in Kenya.
The Carter Center is a US-based non-governmental organization which focuses on human rights, conflict resolution, election monitoring and public health, among others.
Kerry, Touré, and the team will be arriving in Kenya and are expected to hold meeting with key stakeholders, including political party candidates, civil society organizations, government officials, domestic citizen observers, and other international election observer missions, before observing the August polls.
“I urge all political parties and candidates to support a fair, orderly, credible, and nonviolent electoral process; respect the electoral code of conduct; and keep faith with the Kenyan people,” said Kerry.
“Each and every time I have visited Kenya, I have been reminded of its remarkable culture, strengthened by diversity and dedicated to democratic principles. I look forward to returning later this summer to observe an important election,” He added.
Touré on his part said she was honored to co-lead the mission, adding that Kenya’s democracy would emerge from a credible election and serve as an inspiration to the rest of the continent.
“It is my hope that the election will be peaceful and reflect the spirit of democracy that persists in Kenya. I urge all election stakeholders to act responsibly and call on their supporters to do the same,” she said.
The Carter Center was invited by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to observe the polls.
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