EAC to train election observers

By Sylvia Nankya
and Moses Mugoya

THE East African Community is making arrangements to form a team of trained personnel to be deployed in election observer missions across the globe, Beatrice Kiraso, EAC deputy secretary general in charge of political federation has said.

She said the training would focus on the basics of electoral monitoring and democratic principles with a view of advancing Africa interests and eliminating foreign interference in electoral processes. The training will be organised by the EAC in partnership with the South African based electoral institute for sustainability of democracy in Africa.

Kiraso was speaking at a pre-deployment training for election observer’s missions for the East African community, the Inter Governmental Authority on development (IGAD) and the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA).

The three African regional blocs have teamed together to send a joint observer mission for Uganda’s general election slated for February 18. The 64-man delegation will have personnel deployed across the country to observe the much anticipated polls.

“Upon implementation of the training programme, the community would stop picking people on an adhoc basis to engage them in observing elections” Kiraso said.

She was optimistic that this would build a basis for consolidating political processes and democracy in Africa. “We don’t have to rely on the Big-Brothers to determine Africa’s destiny because quite often, we find our hands tied when there is interference into our governance issues” Kiraso said.

She said working together would create a bigger impact for Uganda and the continent given the similarity in principles for the entire three blocs. Kiraso also advised the observers to use the mission as a tool for enhancing political accountability in Uganda and the other countries where they will be deployed.

Diuedonne Tshiyoyo the manager of elections and political affairs at the electoral institute for sustainability of democracy in Africa, warned observers against usurping the role of monitors.

Tshiyoyo said the presence of observers must enhance public confidence in the process, deter improper practices and enhance acceptability of results.


Published on: Sunday, 13th February, 2011