AUC Elections: Raila says democracy won

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has stated that democracy triumphed in the elections for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday.

Raila, the Kenyan candidate, was eliminated in the sixth round, allowing Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti to proceed to the seventh round alone, where he secured the necessary votes to become the next AUC chairperson.

The former Prime Minister acknowledged that despite running a strong campaign, the leaders of the continent made their decision, which he respects.

“I offered myself as a candidate and over the last few months I have run around the continent talking to leadership and canvassing for their votes. Today, they have expressed themselves and as it is, we did not succeed,” he said.

Odinga addressed the press shortly after the results were announced, conveying his congratulations to the winner and wishing him well as he takes over from Chad’s Moussa Faki, who has held the position since 2017.

“We must strengthen democracy. I am conceding defeat and I want to wish my competitor Mahamoud Ali Youssouf all the best. We wish him success in this undertaking,” he stated.

He also expressed gratitude to all who supported his bid for the AUC chair position, saying he harbours no ill feelings towards those who voted for his opponents.

“I want to thank all members or countries who voted for me. I also want to thank those who did not vote me because in doing so they exercised their democratic right. That is how democracy works,” he remarked.

“I am very grateful for the excercise (electoral process) today. I thank the people of Africa and say, Viva l’Afrique (Long Live Africa),” he added.

Prior to the election, Raila had indicated that his candidacy for the continental position was not a matter of life and death.