‘I am not bitter’ – Raila speaks after AUC election loss

‘I am not bitter’ – Raila speaks after AUC election loss

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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has maintained a optimistic outlook following his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson place, dismissing any notions of disappointment.

Raila was extensively seen as a frontrunner within the race to switch outgoing AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat however lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf after six rounds of voting.

Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 15, 2025, after the election concluded, Raila expressed his acceptance of the end result, reaffirming his availability to serve the continent in different capacities.

“When you go to a contest, there can only be two outcomes—you can win or you can lose. So this is one of them,” Raila mentioned.

“Therefore, I am not bitter; I am very happy indeed. I am still available to offer services to the continent in any other capacity,” he added. 

Regarding his future plans, Raila hinted at a return to Kenyan politics.

“My plan now is to go back home. I have numerous things to do there,” he mentioned.

Ruto’s assertion

President William Ruto, who actively lobbied for Raila’s candidacy, acknowledged the end result, stating that Kenya would continue to play an energetic function in African affairs.

In a press release shared on his X account on February 15, 2025, after the election outcomes had been introduced, Ruto emphasised the significance of continental unity over particular person ambitions.

“This election was not about individuals or nations; it was about Africa’s future. That future remains bright, and together, we will continue working for a united, prosperous, and influential Africa on the global stage.”

He expressed gratitude to African leaders for contemplating Raila’s imaginative and prescient for the continental physique.

“While the outcome of this election did not favour Kenya’s candidate, I wish to convey my deepest gratitude to the entire leadership of our great continent. Thank you for considering the Right Honourable Raila Odinga’s vision and priorities for the African Union and for giving him the opportunity to share his passion for the continent’s transformation,” Ruto acknowledged.

The President congratulated the newly elected AUC management group, Mahmoud Youssouf as Chairperson and Selma Haddadi as Deputy Chairperson, pledging Kenya’s full assist for the incoming administration.

Voting breakdown

In the primary spherical of voting, Raila led with 20 votes, intently adopted by Mahmoud Ali Youssouf with 18 votes. Madagascar’s candidate acquired 10 votes, whereas one member state abstained.

The second spherical noticed Raila achieve 22 votes, with Youssouf receiving 19 votes and Madagascar’s assist dwindling to 7 votes.

By the third spherical, Youssouf took the lead for the primary time, securing 23 votes in opposition to Raila’s 20, whereas Madagascar’s candidate fell to only 5 votes and was subsequently eradicated.

This narrowed the competitors right down to a two-horse race between Djibouti and Kenya.

In the fourth spherical, Youssouf prolonged his lead with 25 votes to Raila’s 21, with two abstentions and two spoiled ballots.

The hole widened additional within the fifth spherical, with Youssouf incomes 26 votes in comparison with Raila’s 22, whereas one state abstained.

In the ultimate spherical, Youssouf clinched victory by securing the bulk wanted for the AUC chairmanship, marking a major diplomatic achievement for Djibouti.