Ambassadors and High Commissioners from Kenya’s international partners have called for a credible election on August 9 for stability.
In a joint statement on Monday, the envoys said, like Kenyans, they recognise “the importance of free, fair, credible and peaceful elections this August to Kenya’s prosperous and stable future”.
“We share the fundamental principles outlined in the African Charter of transparency, accountability, equal representation, rule of law, and respect for human rights,: they said in the statement.
This is as they welcomed Kenya’s recent accession to the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which they said sets strong frameworks in support of democracy.
“We strongly encourage all political actors to follow the principles and articles set out in the Charter. As Kenya prepares for political party primaries and the August elections, we commend Kenya’s work to advance early preparations, elections security and support for independent institutions, such as the IEBC, that has the constitutional mandate to conduct the elections itself,” they said.
The parties’ nominations deadline is April 22.
The envoys also said they appreciated their dialogue with the Executive, which affirmed its commitment to facilitating a conducive environment for the August polls.
“We also commend Kenyan non-state actors for their important contributions in promoting electoral integrity and citizens’ knowledge and participation including women’s political participation, in the electoral process”.
After teh meeting with the diplomats, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i said they would ensure business continuity and smooth transition after the August vote.
“As a country, we are ready to proceed and facilitate the IEBC to conduct elections,” CS Matiang’i said during a consultation meeting with the development partners on February 14.
They said Kenya can rightly be proud of its status as one of the leading democracies in Africa, and they will continue to engage with Kenyan leaders, citizens, and organizations across the country ahead of polls.
The statement was issued Luke Williams, High Commissioner of Australia, Canad Acting High Commissioner –David Da Silva, Denmark Ambassador Ole Thonke, Ambassador Maarten Brouwer (Netherlands) Ambassador Gunnar A. Holm (Norway), Ambassador Caroline Vicini (Sweden) , Ambassador Valentin Zellweger (Switzerland), UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott and US Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Eric Kneedler.
