Win for Raila as AU Clears Obstacles in Commission Race:
Win for Raila as AU Clears Obstacles in Commission Race: African Union Executive Council on Friday, March 15, agreed to leave the African Union Commission Chairperson role to the East African Community (EAC).
The new Developments from the AU Executive Council, therefore, assures Azimio leader Raila Odinga the right to compete for the AU chairmanship.
Some of the proposals, were in place to block candidates whose countries had held the chairperson or vice chairperson role Kenya held the position of VC from 2008 to 2017. The position was held by Erastus Mwencha
“The decision is per the Statute of the AU Commission, the Rules of Procedure of the African Union policy organs and the decisions of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government,” read part of a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“It is now clear that the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga will be in the race for the AU Commission Chairperson,” he said. “Effectively, there are no more technical or legal hurdles preventing Kenya from submitting its candidate.”
Additionally, there were also proposals to have gender rotation for the AUC chairperson role. The current chair, Moussa Faki is a man and Raila would have been locked out if the gender rule was adopted.
According to Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the decision also gave the Northern Africa region a chance to front candidates for the Deputy Chairperson.
Meanwhile, the other three regions, Central, Southern and Western, will compete for the six positions of commissioners.
The African Union in its statement noted that the commission elections required candidates to be competent women or men with proven experience, leadership qualities and a good track record.
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