NAIROBI, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Friday appointed Marietje Schaake, Member of the European Parliament as its head of the observer mission which is due to arrive in Kenya on Monday.
A statement from the EU offices in Nairobi said the European bloc has decided to deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Kenya to observe the general elections scheduled for Aug. 8 in response to an invitation by the Kenyan authorities.
Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission said the EU and Kenya are long standing partners, with 2017 marking 40 years of their cooperation.
"This is the fourth time that the EU observes general elections in Kenya, reflecting our common work to credible, transparent and inclusive elections in the country, since our political dialogue and cooperation strategy focuses on supporting good governance," Mogherini said.
She said this year's general elections are foreseen to be very competitive, noting that the EU is committed to giving an important contribution to the electoral process through the Electoral Observation Mission led by Chief Observer Schaake.
"We expect the rule of law will prevail with all parties resolving any possible election disputes through dialogue and available legal remedies," Mogherini said.
Speaking ahead of her arrival in Nairobi, Schaake said the forthcoming general elections will be another defining moment in Kenya's democratic development.
She said Kenya has already achieved impressive progress in terms of democratization and good governance.
"I trust the Kenyan people will express their political choices in a peaceful and calm environment, thus confirming the significance of democratic institutions," Schaake said.
She said the August polls can further consolidate the democratic record through well-run, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections, with all sides refraining from any actions or statements that may incite violence.
