EASF Flag-Off Election Observer Mission to Comoros Ahead of 2025 Parliamentary Elections

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has officially flagged off its Election Observer Mission (EOM) ahead of the Union of Comoros' 2025 parliamentary elections. The flag-off ceremony occurred on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the EASF Secretariat in Karen, Nairobi, where EASF Director Brigadier General (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema presided over the event.

During the ceremony, the Head of the Peace Operations Department, Brigadier General Domitien Kabisa, handed over the mission plan to Brig Gen (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema and received the EASF flag on behalf of the mission.

In his remarks, Director Kahuria reaffirmed EASF's commitment to promoting democracy, stability, and transparency in the Eastern African region. He emphasized the organization's focus on ensuring a peaceful and fair parliamentary election in Comoros, underscoring the importance of a credible electoral process.

"The EASF Election Observer Mission will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the electoral process to ensure compliance with national laws and international election standards. This will include observing the campaign environment, political participation of women, youth, and civil society organizations, election administration, voting-day procedures, and the counting and tabulation of ballots in the Union of Comoros," Kahuria stated.

Brig Genl Domitien Kabisa, the Head of the Peace Operations Department, expressed confidence in the mission's readiness. He conveyed his appreciation to the observers involved and urged them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism in their work, which will help strengthen governance and democratic systems in the region.

"I receive the flag on behalf of the Head of Mission and extend my thanks to the observers for their participation. As you deploy to the mission area, remember to uphold professionalism and support our Member States in improving their governance and democratic systems," said Brig Gen Kabisa.

Deputy Head of the Mission, Vincent Leo Didon, revealed that 24 observers from EASF Member States and EASF Staff will be deployed in 11 teams to cover the elections across the Union of Comoros. All Observers are scheduled to be deployed by January 10, 2025, and the mission will conclude on January 15, 2025.

The EASF's Election Observer Mission plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, contributing to the enhancement of democratic practices in the Region.