Johannesburg - A South African delegation will monitor Kenya's general elections, the department of international relations and co-operation said on Thursday.
The elections take place on Monday.
“Members of civil society will 1/8also 3/8 participate, under the auspices of the African Union Election Observation Mission and various other accredited monitoring teams, in monitoring the elections,” said departmental spokesman Clayson Monyela.
This will be Kenya's first general election since it adopted a new constitution in August 2010.
“The new Kenyan Constitution depicts a united Kenya that is desired by all, and it acts as a bridge to heal the divisions of the past,” said Monyela.
“Stemming from the new Constitution, the parliament of the Republic of Kenya has also passed new legislation on elections, political parties, ethics and leadership, the reform of the judiciary and the establishment of a new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.”
Monyela said the South African government was confident the elections would contribute to Kenya's consolidation of democracy.
“The South African government wishes the people of Kenya a successful, peaceful and democratic election,” he said.
The country is currently under the leadership of Mwai Kibaki, who became president of the country in December 2002.
Kibaki would not be eligible to contest for these elections, as he was constitutionally barred after having served the maximum two terms on the presidential seat. - Sapa