Commonwealth observers call for peaceful elections in Kenya

Commonwealth observers for the 27 December elections in Kenya have called for calm and peaceful conducting of the polls.

Addressing journalists at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya on 20 December 2007, the Chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG), former Sierra Leone President, Dr Ahmad Tejan Kabbah said that Kenya is a valued member of the 53 member association, and that he hopes that the presence of the Group will contribute to strengthening democracy in the country.

“It is important that these elections are peaceful and credible,” said Dr Kabbah.

Mr Kabbah said that the task of the Group is “to observe and report on relevant aspects of the organisation and conduct of the elections.”

“We consider all the factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole, and determine whether or not the elections have been conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which Kenya has committed itself, with reference to national election-related legislation and relevant regional, Commonwealth, and other international commitments,” said Dr Kabbah.

For the full statement, please click here

Click here for photo of Observer Group

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Kenya
• Democracy