Raila Odinga Falls Short in African Union Commission Chairmanship Election

By Orenge Wycliff

Raila Odinga Falls Short in African Union Commission Chairmanship Election

The African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson election took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with 49 member states participating. Six other countries were suspended and, therefore, did not take part in the voting process. According to the AU regulations, the chairperson is elected by member states, excluding those under military rule.

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga was among the key contenders in the highly contested election. However, despite putting up a strong fight, he fell short of the required two-thirds majority, leading to multiple rounds of voting. Raila was up against Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato.

Voting Breakdown

Round 1:
Kenya – 20 votes
Djibouti – 18 votes
Madagascar – 10 votes
Abstentions – 1

Round 2:
Kenya – 22 votes
Djibouti – 19 votes
Madagascar – 7 votes
Abstentions – 1

Round 3:
Djibouti – 23 votes
Kenya – 20 votes
Madagascar – 5 votes
Abstentions – 1

Round 4:
Djibouti – 25 votes
Kenya – 21 votes
Spoiled votes – 1
Abstentions – 2

Round 5:
Djibouti – 26 votes
Kenya – 21 votes
Abstentions – 2

Round 6:
Djibouti – 26 votes
Kenya – 21 votes
This marked the end of Kenya’s participation in the race.

Round 7:
Djibouti – 33 votes

Djibouti’s candidate Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf now got 33 votes which constituted the 2/3 of the constitutional threshold for one to be declared a winner.

Incase anyone failed to get 33 or more votes, the current chair for the AUC had a mandate to cancel the election and announce a later date in months.

Reactions from Kenyans

Raila Odinga’s loss sparked mixed reactions from Kenyans. Some were relieved, expressing a desire for his return to local politics.

“We are happy that Baba lost the AUC chairmanship seat; we need him back in Kenyan politics,” one Kenyan remarked.

Others lauded his efforts, stating that his bid was commendable despite the outcome. “Winning the AUC chairmanship was not a do-or-die situation. We are proud of Baba for his dedication to making Africa a better place. It’s unfortunate that he lost,” another Kenyan shared.

Despite his defeat, Raila Odinga’s participation in the AUC election demonstrated his influence on the continental stage and his commitment to advancing Africa’s interests.