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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Moussa Faki Mahamat, congratulates the people of Kenya for the conduct of  the peaceful General Elections on 8 August 2017. These polls were observed by an AU Election Observer Mission led by former President Mbeki of South Africa.

The Chairperson stress that the massive participation of the Kenyan voters demonstrated their resolve to fulfill their democratic aspirations and consolidation of peace and the rule of law in their country. He fully supports the preliminary statement issued by the AU Observer Mission and urges the people of Kenya to maintain calm as they wait for the announcement of final results by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The Chairperson expresses deep concern over the immediate post-election day developments including the rejection of the results by some political actors and the outbreak of violence in some Counties which have reportedly claimed some lives.  It would be recalled that the Chairperson of AUC visited Kenya ahead of the polls from the 18 to 20 July 2017 during which he called for peaceful and credible elections before, during and after the elections.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the AU’s unequivocal commitment to support the government and people of Kenya to ensure a peaceful and credible conclusion of the electoral process, in line with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and other relevant African instruments. In this respect, he urges:

The IEBC to conduct the tallying process in an effective and transparent manner within the legally stipulated timeframe and, where necessary, to engage in dialogue with political actors before the official announcement of results;

The political actors, parties and their supporters to exercise restraint in their pronouncements and refrain from all acts of violence while awaiting the completion of the tallying process;

The political actors and parties to scrupulously abide by the electoral laws and, where disputes arise, to seek redress through peaceful and lawful channels;

The security agencies to continue to remain professional and respectful of human rights in the maintenance of law and order and to ensure that lives and properties are protected throughout the process; and

The media to maintain balanced and conflict-sensitive coverage on the electoral process.

The Chairperson of the Commission is in contact with regional leaders and other members of the international community to ensure a coordinated and effective support to efforts aimed at preserving peace, security and stability in Kenya and upholding the principles of the rule of law and democracy. He stands ready to take any initiative that may be called for by the circumstances to facilitate the peaceful conclusion of the electoral process.
 

Issued by GCIS on behalf of the African Union Commission