By-Laillah -Mohammed-BBC-Nairobi.
The fate of Kenyan candidate Raila Odinga in the race for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship is expected to be decided today, February 15, 2025, during the ongoing African Union Heads of State and Government Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In this election, Odinga faces two other contenders: Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar.
However, Odinga’s bid has encountered challenges after the Southern African Development Community (SADC) directed its 16 member states to support Madagascar’s candidate, Richard Randriamandrato. This move could impact Odinga’s chances of securing enough votes to win the seat.
This election comes as the term of outgoing Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat concludes after serving two terms. The winner of this position must secure a two-thirds majority of votes from all electors.
All eyes are now on Addis Ababa to see who will take the helm of the African Union Commission for the next term.
"Kenya has run a vigorous campaign throughout this period. Raila has presented himself well to key leaders across the continent, although his campaign has received mixed support among Kenyans. What remains now is to wait for the election to take place," said Dr. Mwencha in an interview with the BBC.
As the three candidates prepare for the highly anticipated vote both within and beyond Africa, the announcement by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat urging its member states to support their candidate, former Madagascar Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato, has sparked intense debate among Kenyans. Many are questioning whether the votes that "Baba," as Raila is known in Kenya, had hoped to secure will dwindle, thereby diminishing his chances of succeeding Mr. Mahamat, who is stepping down after serving for eight years.
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