H.E  Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe arrives in the Republic of The Gambia to lead the African Union Election Observation Mission 

Her Excellency Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, former Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, has arrived in The Gambia to lead the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM). 

The Mission comprises 20 Short Term Observers (STOs) representing various Member States of the AU, deployed from 2 – 14 April 2022. The delegation consists of members from African Election Management Bodies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Independent Experts.  

Preceding her arrival in The Gambia, a three-day orientation and briefing programme for AUEOM took place from 5 – 7 April 2022. The briefing focused on electoral political context, legal framework, levels of preparedness by Independent Electoral Commission of The Gambia, levels of preparedness by different electoral stakeholders and the African Union (AU) election observation methodology. The aim of the briefing was to sensitize observers with knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the 2022 National Assembly Elections before their deployment throughout the country. 

The Mission’s mandate is to observe the National Assembly Elections in line with relevant African Union instruments, especially (a) the African Union Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions (2002); (b) the OUA/AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (2002); African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (1981) and (c) African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007), among others. 

The deployment of an AUEOM in the Republic of The Gambia demonstrates the AU’s commitment to supporting credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful electoral processes in its Member States by providing an objective assessment of the process and the political environment surrounding it. This is in line with Aspirations No.3 of Agenda 2063, which aims to ensure good governance, democracy, and respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law on the continent. 

The AUEOM will issue its Preliminary Statement based on its observation of the elections after the close of polls, and its final report within one month after the Elections. 

For more information on the Mission’s activities, please contact:  

Mr Samuel Atuobi, Senior Political & Elections Officer, Mission Coordinator | E-mail: Atuobis@africa-union.org | Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia   

For media please contact:  

Mr Paschal Chem-Langhee, Communication Officer | Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission | Tel: +251 929487749 | E-mail: Chem-Langhee@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa,  

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail:DIC@africa-union.org  

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