Raila Odinga speaks during a past event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. /FILE
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has conceded defeat after losing the African Union Commission chairmanship race to Djibouti's Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
Addressing the media Saturday evening after the election in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Raila congratulated Youssouf, adding that democracy had been observed.
“I accept the outcome of the votes. Therefore I'm myself conceding defeat,” he said.
“They say that we must strengthen democracy in the African continent and I want us to use this as an example.”
Raila added that he was prepared for both scenarios of either winning or losing ahead of the elections.
“I'm not bitter. I’m very happy in fact and I’m still available to offer any services to the continent in any other capacity,” he said.
Raila explained that he had done his part by offering himself as a candidate and meeting with various leaders in the continent for their votes.
He stated that the African Union heads of state and government had expressed themselves and majority decided to vote for Youssouf.
Noting this, Raila wished the incoming AUC chairman well as he takes charge of the continental body.
“I want to wish my competitor all the best. I want to wish him success in his undertaking,” he said.
The former PM also extended gratitude to the leaders who cast their vote for him.
“I want to thank all those members who voted for me. I also want to thank those who did not vote for me because in doing so, they exercised their democratic rights,” he said.
Raila reiterated the importance of democracy and the need to strengthen the same in the continent.
“I'm very grateful for the exercise here today. I thank the people of Africa and to say viva!” he said.
The opposition chief said he is ready to come back home noting that there was a lot to be done.
“My plan now I will go back home and there is so many things to do.”
Youssouf won the race after garnering the requisite 33 votes in the 7th round of voting, which he contested alone, after Raila dropped off in sixth round.
