The International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) jointly organised a pre-election assessment mission (PEAM) for Kenya 2022 Elections.
The Pre-Election Assessment Mission is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The assessment was conducted from May 16 to 20 this year.
The purpose of the PEAM assessment to Kenya is to assess the current political environment as well as the electoral preparations in advance of the August 2022 general elections.
The assessment delegation was made up of Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana; James Lahai, the National Coordinator of National Election Watch (Sierra Leone); Nicole Rowsell, Acting Vice President of the National Democratic Institute (USA); and Yomi Jacobs, Resident Program Director of the International Republican Institute in Kenya (Nigeria).
According to the PEAM’s reports on the Executive Summary of the assessment, “The 2022 general elections have the potential to be a pivotal milestone for democratization in Kenya. Elections in 2007, 2013, and 2017 were marred by challenges with the results transmission process and related lack of public confidence in official outcome, resulting in widespread post-election violence in 2007 and 2008 and the nullification of the 2017 presidential election results by the Supreme Court.”
The 2022 elections, PEAM disclosed will take place against a backdrop of shifting political alliances and newly enacted and evolving amendments to the Electoral and Political Parties laws and provide an opportunity to break with the past.
In the political context, PEAM noted that the 2022 polls will be Kenya’s third elections since the adoption of a new constitution in 2010.
It again added that the claims of irregularities have often accompanied Kenya’s elections, resulting in widespread violence following the 2007election and the nullification of the presidential election in 2017 by the Supreme Court, necessitating a re-run later that year.
“For the first time, a presidential candidate from a major political party has selected a female running mate, amplifying the potential for women’s role in political life and positions of power. The candidate nomination process was generally well-administered by parties; compared to 2017, when over 300 complaints were filed, this year’s process saw the number reduced to approximately 150 complaints”, the report stated.
The PEAM delegation, however offered some actionable recommendations that “the Government of Kenya should urgently address the issue of pending electoral law amendments by either expediting their review or stating no further reforms will be entertained prior to the August polls to remove confusion or suspicion of attempts to manipulate the process.”
Also, the Government should ensure timely financial transfers to the IEBC to ensure effective preparations, including voter education campaigns.
To the political parties, their Candidates, and Independent Candidates, it recommended that they demonstrate commitment to ensuring peace before, during and after elections, by publicly endorsing and adhering to the electoral code of conduct, and other peace pledges.
