IGAD team arrives for elections observation

Feb 12, 2016

The observers were chosen from 10 IGAD organizations and are here on government invitation. The team will be deployed in pre-selected deployment areas

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has deployed a ten-man delegation to observe next week's Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

Part of the delegation led by Yufnalis Okubo- IGAD Legal Counsel, arrived in the country on Thursday and the remaining members are expected to arrive in Kampala on Monday next week.

The observers were chosen from 10 IGAD organizations and are here on government invitation.  The team will be deployed in pre-selected deployment areas.

A statement by IGAD secretariat states that the observers are here to assist 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.

"IGAD is deploying observers that have been properly trained to take the task of observation with the requisite efficiency and integrity," the statement states.

IGAD Election Observer Missions are meant to facilitate the gradual development of a democratic election culture in our region.

Prior to elections day, the team is to meet with officials of the Electoral Commission, political parties and other key stakeholders and hold consultations and briefings with relevant authorities.

According to the Electoral Commission deputy chairman Joseph Biribonwa, the Commission has accredited 1800 local and international observer groups and individuals to monitor the elections.

Biribonwa said the Commission will hold a meeting with all accredited  observers on February15 at Hotel Africana.

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