EASF Kicks off Planning Process for Potential Deployment

The Eastern Africa Standby Force started the Integrated Mission Planning Process (IMPP) on 22nd September 2020 ahead of possible deployment of an election observer mission to the forthcoming elections in Seychelles.

EASF has been officially invited by the Republic of the Seychelles to observe the forthcoming general elections to be held between, 22nd – 24th October, 2020. Following the official invitation, EASF has initiated its planning process in preparation for this possible deployment.

A core team has been set up as part of the IMPP with the Civilian Component taking the lead in preparation for the election deployment process. According to the Director of EASF, Brig. Gen. Getachew Shiferaw Fayisa, the main objectives of the EASF observation mission is to support the democratic process and to observe and asses the election process in line with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG). The ACDEG was adopted by the African Union (AU) in 2007 as a road-map to encourage better governance across the continent. It sets out international standards of good governance as well as free and fair elections.

As per the planning process, the core team at EASF is looking into the different options and the best possible deployment plan for that particular mission.

The election observer mission to Seychelles is partially funded by the International Advisory Coordinating Staff (IACS) housed within EASF Secretariat.

Given the current health pandemic of Covid-19, additional requirements in line with the public health regulations will also be considered during the planning process.

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