Kenya is making a second bid for the AUC Chairmanship with Raila Odinga after a previous loss to Moussa Faki in 2017. President Ruto is actively rallying support for Odinga, who has garnered endorsements from numerous African nations. However, shifting alliances and regional dynamics could influence the election outcome, which requires a two-thirds majority to win outright.
Kenya is making another attempt to secure the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC) after a failed bid in 2017 against Moussa Faki of Chad. Kenya’s candidate, Amina Mohamed, reached the final round but lost by three votes. This time, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is Kenya’s nominee, competing at the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Addis Ababa.
Despite challenges from East African neighbors, who previously did not support Kenya, President William Ruto is campaigning across the continent to gather endorsements for Odinga. So far, Odinga’s team claims support from at least twenty-eight nations, although Ruto’s initiatives suggest backing from around nineteen countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, and Senegal.
While several nations have endorsed Odinga, diplomatic meetings do not ensure votes, as political shifts can occur. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has not endorsed a candidate but mentioned Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato for consideration, which may affect Odinga’s prospects if the SADC votes as a bloc.
Despite potential obstacles, such as political tensions regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo conflict, Kenya remains optimistic about Odinga’s chances. Odinga recently visited Burundi as part of his final campaigning efforts, demonstrating his commitment to rally regional support in a competitive atmosphere.
The election requires a two-thirds majority in the first round from 49 available votes due to sanctions preventing six member states from voting. The competition may prolong with multiple rounds if no candidate achieves the threshold, allowing for dynamic political shifts. Rivals like Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, supported by Egypt, pose significant competition.
The AUC leadership consists of a Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and six Commissioners, with the selection process managed by the AU Assembly and the Ministerial Executive Council. Changes were instituted in 2018 that reshaped the Commission’s structure, allowing for a maximum of eight members including two primary leaders.
Overall, the outcome of this election remains uncertain as Kenya navigates complex geopolitical dynamics while aiming to obtain a leadership position for the first time.
Kenya’s renewed bid for the AUC leadership, now led by Raila Odinga, faces strong competition and diplomatic challenges. While the nation’s previous attempt resulted in defeat, Odinga’s campaign is bolstered by endorsements from several countries despite regional political complexities and challenges. The election process is intricate and may extend into multiple rounds, keeping the final results uncertain until the last votes are cast.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
