International Election Observation

International election observation is widely accepted around the world. It is conducted by
intergovernmental and international nongovernmental organizations and associations in order to provide an impartial and accurate assessment of the nature of election processes for the benefit of the population of the country where the election is held and for the benefit of the international community.

A key role of an international electoral observation mission is to reassure local voters that a process was sufficiently free and fair, or to call attention to any irregularities that compromised the election. To ensure a credible observation mission, elections observers must maintain professional independence and strict impartiality.

There will be two aspects of International election observation: the diplomatic missions and other International observer missions. The UNDP PMU will assist in the co-ordination, deployment and terms of training of international diplomatic missions resident in Kenya. (for further information get in touch with PMU)

International election observation expresses the interest of the international community in the achievement of democratic elections, as part of democratic development, including respect for human rights and the rule of law. International election observation, which focuses on civil and political rights, is part of international human rights monitoring and must be conducted on the basis of the highest standards for impartiality concerning national political competitors and must be free from any bilateral or multilateral considerations that could conflict with impartiality. It assesses election processes in accordance with international principles for genuine democratic elections and domestic law, while recognizing that it is the people of a country who ultimately determine credibility and legitimacy of an election process.

International election observation missions should identify, establish regular communications with and cooperate as appropriate with credible domestic nonpartisan election monitoring organizations. They are bound by the Code of Conduct for International Election Observers.

Kenya is retained in the list of priority Countries for a European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) in 2007. EU-EOMs are funded by the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights. While they are financed and organized by the European Commission, they are independent in their assessment of the observed electoral process. EU election observation is based on the principles of independence, impartiality, transparency, long-term observation and professionalism.

EU-EOMs are headed by a Member of the European Parliament. The core team of a EU-EOM is deployed six to eight weeks before election day, which allows for a comprehensive observation, covering most phases of the electoral process up to the election date and beyond, including vote counting, tabulation process and complaint procedures. Long-term observers join the team approximately four weeks before the day of elections, preparing the ground for the short-term observers who arrive shortly before the polling to observe the latter and the counting. Member States’ diplomats may join the mission as short-term observers.

Any organisations interested in further details should contact the ECK.

For further information see also:
1. Declaration Of Election Principles for International Election Observation
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