The African Union Deploys an Election Observation Mission to the 18 February 2016 General Elections in the Republic of Uganda
KAMPALA, 13 February 2016
Following the receipt of an invitation from the Government of the Republic of Uganda, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Her Excellency Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, approved the deployment of an African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to observe the General Elections scheduled to be held on 18 February 2016.
The African Union launched its election observation mission in Uganda on 12 February 2016 with the deployment of 41 short-term observers (STOs) drawn from 28 African countries, representing institutions such as the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC), the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). The short-term observers constitute the AUEOM’s coverage of Election Day procedures from opening of polling stations to voting and counting procedures.
The AUEOM is led by Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo, former President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Judge of the Supreme Court of Ghana. She arrives in Kampala on 12 February 2016 to strengthen the AU Mission and to interact with key stakeholders.
The AUEOM’s mandate is derived from relevant AU instruments such as the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance; the 2002 AU/OAU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa; and the 2002 AU Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions.
The assessment and observations of the Mission will be guided by the principles and guidelines stated in these instruments, other relevant international instruments guiding international election observation, and the legal framework for elections in the Republic of Uganda.
The Mission will issue a statement of its preliminary assessment of the elections on 20 February at a press conference in Kampala. A final and comprehensive report will be released within two months from the date of announcement of final election results.
The Secretariat of the AUEOM is located at Sheraton Hotel, in Kampala.
Further enquiries about the Mission can be made to the Mission Coordinators, Mr. Idrissa Kamara: kamarai@africa-union.org; mobile phone: +256782248978 and Mrs. Sharon Ndlovu: ndlovus@africa-union.org; mobile phone: +256782248862.
For Media contact: Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar gamalk@africa-union.org | Mobile: +256787580390.