AU calls for free, peaceful elections in Kenya

Nairobi July 22 (IANS/MAP) The African Union (AU) electoral observation mission has called for free fair and peaceful general elections in Kenya on August 8.

In meetings earlier this week with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta who is running for a second term and Chief Justice David Maraga the mission led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki praised the judiciary over the preparations for the elections and the settlement of disputes between the various parties concerned.

The meetings were also attended by AU Commission President Moussa Faki Mahamat.

The electoral observation mission of the Pan-African organisation expressed confidence that the next elections will be peaceful. The official campaign for the August general elections (presidential legislative and county assemblies) began on May 28.

About eight candidates are competing in the presidential election and about 10 000 candidates are registered as parliamentarians governors and members of local assemblies.

--IANS/MAP
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