African Union deploys observation mission to monitor Ethiopia's upcoming general elections
Addis Ababa, May 27
The African Union has deployed an election observation mission to monitor the conduct and integrity of Ethiopia's general elections scheduled for early June.
Led by the former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, the 73-member AU Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to Ethiopia was deployed at the invitation of the East African country's government, the AU said in its statement.
The mission, drawn from 37 African countries, comprised representatives from African envoys accredited to the AU, officials of election management bodies, members of civil society organizations, election experts, human rights specialists, gender and media experts, as well as representatives of youth organizations, it was noted, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The AU observers will be deployed across various regions of Ethiopia to observe election-day procedures, including the opening of polls, voting, closing, and counting and tabulation at polling stations, the statement said.
The AUEOM is expected to release its preliminary statement on its findings and assessment of the conduct of the election a few days after the general election, while a final and comprehensive report will be published within two months after the election, it said.
In the leadup to the election, the AU observers are expected to meet with Ethiopian authorities, including the National Election Board of Ethiopia, representatives of political parties, candidates, civil society organizations, and other election observation missions, among others.
Ethiopia is scheduled to hold its seventh general election on June 1, with voters primarily electing their representatives for the Ethiopian House of Peoples' Representatives (HoPR), the lower chamber of parliament, as well as members for regional state councils.
In line with the Ethiopian constitution, the political party or coalition that secures the majority of seats in the HoPR forms a government and selects the prime minister, who holds the highest executive power in the country.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive that 37 African countries sent observers. India's Election Commission has also helped many countries with their electoral processes. Maybe we should collaborate more with AU on such missions.
Election observation is crucial but let's not forget Ethiopia's internal challenges. The Tigray conflict has caused suffering. Deploying 73 observers is good, but addressing root causes of instability matters more.
As an Indian, I appreciate the AU's effort. Our own elections are massive and complex, and we always welcome international observers. Hope Ethiopia's elections bring peace and progress. 🇮🇳🤝🇪🇹
73 observers for such a large country? That seems insufficient for meaningful oversight across all regions. But better than nothing. Let's hope the preliminary report is thorough.
Respectful criticism: Why is the AU mission led by a former president from a neighboring country? Would have been better to have a neutral figure from West Africa or North Africa. Still, Kenyatta has experience.
India's civil society and EC have good experience. Maybe we should offer to share our EVM and VVPAT technology with Ethiopia for future elections. Digital voting could help in areas with conflict.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.