The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for Kenya's upcoming election slated for March 4, 2013.

The center will deploy 14 long-term observers across Kenya who will be responsible for gathering firsthand knowledge of the activities of the election commission, political parties, civil society organizations and the international community, as well as other election observation missions.These observers will be joined by an additional 30 members shortly before the elections.

The Atlanta-based institution has established a field office in Nairobi which will closely monitor legal and political developments that could affect the election. This early deployment of long-term observers will allow the Center to assess pre-election preparations. The Carter Center will also monitor closely legal and political developments that may impact the election and will release periodic public statements on electoral findings, available at www.cartercenter.org.

According to Carter Center Election Mission Field Representative, Stephane Mondon, "The Carter Center hopes that this election observation mission will reassure the Kenyan people that their efforts to reform political institutions can succeed. Competitive and peaceful elections would be one more step in Kenya's transition away from politics of division and strife."