The European Union is deploying its largest election observer mission this year to Kenya, investing 6.8 million dollars to monitor polls in what it called a "high priority" country, officials said Tuesday, according to dpa. Some 150 election monitors are set to arrive in the East African country, which is seen as a beacon in a region mired in conflict and humanitarian crises. "Compared to countries in this region, Kenya stands out for stability, a market economy and since 2002 a solid electoral process. We ascribe great importance to a stable Kenya," Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, the EU's chief observer to Kenya, said. The run-up to the December 27 elections has been marred by allegations of voter bribing in primaries, as well as a smattering of violence around the country. President Mwai Kibaki is seeking a second term under the Party of National Unity but polls show rival Raila Odinga, of the Orange Democratic Movement is pulling ahead. Kalonzo Musyoka of the Orange Democratic Movement of Kenya, now in third place, could be the king maker in what is seen as the closest race in Kenya's history. Some 14 million people are set to head to the polls next month.
