by Chrispinus Omar
NAIROBI, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A regional bloc said Friday it has deployed 18 members to monitor next week's general elections in Kenya.
The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said members of the Election Observer Mission (IGAD-EOM) have been properly trained and with experience to take the task of observation with the requisite efficiency and integrity.
"The objective of the IGAD Election Observer Missions is to observe elections in member states in their efforts to conduct free and fair elections by providing positive and constructive feedback that would help to improve similar processes in the region," the bloc said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
It said the IGAD Election Observer Missions are meant to facilitate the gradual development of a democratic election culture in the region.
Kenyans will vote next week to elect the President, Members of National Assembly and County Governments.
So far, foreign election observer missions are already in the East African nation to assess its preparedness to undertake credible, fair and peaceful general elections.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has assured the Kenyan public and foreign allies it had set up solid mechanisms in place to ensure the elections are free from disruptions
"The IGAD-EOM to Kenya is to be deployed in pre-selected deployment areas," the bloc said, noting that the mission will meet with officials of the IEBC, political parties, and other key stakeholders and hold consultations and briefings with relevant authorities prior to elections.
