AU urges Kenyans to respect judgment

ADDIS ABABA - The African Union has urged the people of Kenya to respect the judgment of the nation's Supreme Court nullifying the result of the presidential election held on Aug 8 in the East African country.

AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat called on all the people of Kenya to fully respect the decision of the Supreme Court and to maintain peace.

Meanwhile, envoys from the European Union and 23 Western countries said the decision of the supreme court was "an important moment" for the east African country. "The court's independent review has demonstrated Kenya's resilient democracy and commitment to the rule of law," the 24 envoys said in a joint statement. "The Kenyan people showed patience and confidence as the legal case ran its course."

The Kenyan supreme court, in nullifying the results of the election, cited "irregularities and illegalities" committed by the electoral board that harmed the integrity of the vote.

The statement urged Kenya's electoral institutions to begin preparing for a new presidential poll, which has to be held within 60 days.

"We urge everyone to work to make it free, fair, credible, and peaceful. We have trust in the ability of Kenya and its citizens to do so."

"All electoral processes can be improved, and we will continue to support Kenya's institutions in this important work," the statement added. "The transparent legal process and the parties' respect for the court's decision reflect the strength of Kenya's democracy."

"At this historic time, we stand with all Kenyans as they support and reaffirm their democracy, which is an example for Africa and the world," the statement said.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Saturday the country had a problem with its judiciary, which annulled his election win of last month, "and we must fix it".

Last month's elections - which included the presidential poll in which Kenyatta defeated opposition leader Raila Odinga - was one of the most expensive ever held in Africa. Ahead of the vote Kenya's treasury said preparation and conduct of polling would cost the equivalent of around $480 million.

Xinhua - Reuters

(China Daily 09/04/2017 page16)