The East African Community (EAC) has officially deployed 14 Election Observation Teams to monitor the General Election scheduled for Monday, July 15, 2024, in the Republic of Rwanda. This initiative is part of the EAC’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and democratic electoral process.
Flagging off the observation teams from the Head of the Mission headquarters in Kigali, Chief Justice (Emeritus) David K. Maraga, former Chief Justice of Kenya, announced that the teams would cover all 30 districts across the four provinces and the City of Kigali.
Since their arrival in Kigali on July 8, 2024, the observers have engaged with various electoral stakeholders to gain insight into the preparations for the election, including training on regional and international election observation principles.
“Prior to the arrival of the larger team, an advance team conducted a detailed analysis of the electoral preparations undertaken by various institutions and stakeholders in the country. The findings from this analysis have guided our strategies for election observation,” said CJ Maraga.
The EAC Observer Mission, consisting of 55 members from EAC Partner States and the East African Legislative Assembly, aims to assess the level of preparedness and participation among electoral stakeholders, as well as compliance with electoral laws and practices.
“The observers will also evaluate adherence to the democratic principles enshrined in the EAC Treaty and provide objective recommendations for continuous improvement in election conduct,” he added.
CJ Maraga disclosed that the observation teams are expected to return to the mission headquarters in Kigali on July 16, 2024. 
The field reports generated by these teams will contribute to a Preliminary Statement of the EAC Election Observation Mission, set to be released on July 17, 2024.
The mission will conclude its activities and depart Rwanda on July 18, 2024.
So far, the mission has noted a generally calm electoral, political, and security environment leading up to polling day.
CJ Maraga expressed gratitude to Rwanda’s political leadership, citizens, and institutions involved in managing the electoral processes.
“A peaceful and successful general election will not only be a victory for Rwanda but for the entire EAC,” he stated.
The deployment of the EAC Election Observation Teams implies the region is committed to promoting democratic values and ensuring a credible electoral process in Rwanda.
The eyes of the East African community will be watching closely as the nation prepares for its pivotal election day. 
