International election observers have reduced the number of their staff, citing security and political tension during today’s fresh presidential poll.
They are the EU Observer Mission, the Carter Center Mission and the AU Mission.
The European Union Observer Mission announced the downsizing countrywide and said its focus will mainly be on results transmission.
The Carter Centre election observer mission led by former US Secretary of State John Kerry reduced its size.
The EU mission statement to media houses said it arrived at the decision after assessing the political environment, methodology and safety of its members. It said it considered “the extreme tension, disruptions of polling preparations and strong criticism that has been made on the international community.”
The mission said it will not give a comprehensive assessment of the election day and tallying activities as is nternational practice. This is due to its focus on results transmission and availability of results forms at the National Tallying Centre at the Bomas of Kenya.
“We will present our findings for the consideration of Kenyan stakeholders at the point when we have sufficient information on the process,” the EU mission said.
It cited said failure by two top presidential candidates President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga to hold “meaningful political dialogue” to unlock the poll impasse.
The AU Observer Mission, led by former South Africa President Thambo Mbeki (pictured), yesterday welcomed IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati’s announcement the rerun will proceed as planned.
“We are happy Chebukati announced the IEBC is ready to go on. We have noted NASA’s decision to withdraw and we respect it,” Mbeki said.