Former Botswana President Festus Mogae has stepped down as head of the Commonwealth election observer mission for next week’s Kenya general elections, citing “unforeseen circumstances”.
Mogae was appointed last month as head of the 20-member Commonwealth observer team to observe Kenya’s general elections scheduled for August 9.
In a statement late Wednesday, the Commonwealth said Mogae has been replaced by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, former President of Botswana Festus Mogae, has had to withdraw and has been replaced by former Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding,” the Commonwealth said.
Speaking soon after arriving in Kenya on Wednesday, Golding called on all Kenyans to follow the example of the main political contenders by committing to a peaceful process.
“Just as politicians have made a commitment to a peaceful election, we urge stakeholders, including the electorate, to commit to doing the same, consistent with the Commonwealth’s values and principles,” Golding said.
He added: “We, therefore, hope our presence in Kenya serves as a reminder that the people of the Commonwealth stand together with Kenyans as they exercise their democratic rights, recognising how important these elections are to the people of Kenya, East Africa, Africa, and the whole of the Commonwealth at large.”
The Commonwealth team would be deployed across Kenya to observe electoral preparations including the opening of polls, voting, closing, counting and the results management processes.
JN/APA