09/06/2017 (Agence Europe) – In response to an invitation by the Kenyan authorities, the European Union is to observe the general elections in Kenya on 8 August. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini has appointed Marietje Schaake MEP (ALDE, Netherlands) as chief observer of the election observation mission (EU-EOM). The EOM core team of observers, who are tasked with coordinating the mission, will arrive in Nairobi on 13 June. As from late June the core team will be joined by 30 long-term observers, and later in early August by additional 32 short-term observers. The EU-EOM will cooperate with other international observation missions and will draft an initial report once the election results have been declared. The report will be finalised at a later stage with detailed conclusions and recommendations to further improve the election framework for future elections, if necessary. (AN)