2007 Kenya Elections - Departure Statement

In our interim statement, we noted that these were the most competitive elections in Kenya’s history. We commended the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) for the professional conduct of the electoral process up to that point, and expressed the hope that the final phase of the process would conclude in same manner.

We also praised the people of Kenya for their enthusiasm and for turning out in large numbers to exercise their civic responsibility to vote.

We were pleased that the polling day transpired peacefully. However, developments thereafter have eroded public confidence in the management of the results and their eventual release. As Kenyans awaited the results, the delays in the announcement of the results raised questions about the integrity of the final phase of the election process.

It is our fervent hope that in the days ahead, candidates who may wish to challenge any aspect of the electoral process, should seek redress with due respect to the rule of law.

Our final report has been prepared for submission to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and will thereafter be distributed to all interested parties.

We now depart Kenya in the hope that, in the best interests of the Kenyan people, our recommendations for the consolidation of democracy will be taken up in the constructive spirit in which they have been made. Given the circumstances surrounding the conclusion of the electoral process, we call upon the Commonwealth Secretariat and other pan-Commonwealth institutions as well as the international community to remain closely engaged during this crucial period of Kenya’s political history.

We wish to thank all of the organisations who provided information and assistance to us.

We are grateful to the people of Kenya and to for their warm welcome and hospitality extended during our entire period in the country, and for allowing us to carry out our mandate.

2 January 2008