The European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) on Tuesday issued a preliminary statement on the just concluded Presidential election terming actions by both sides of the political divide as 'damaging to the electoral process'.
The EU noted that constant attacks on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had put the people and institutions of Kenya in an extremely difficult position.
"The EU EOM assessment at this stage is that actions by both sides of the political divide have been damaging to the electoral process and have put the people and institutions of Kenya in an extremely difficult position.
[caption caption="EUEOM Officials"]
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"These actions include intimidation of the judiciary, attacks on the IEBC, introducing uncertainty in the legal framework with last-minute amendments to the electoral law without political consensus, obstruction of the electoral process, some disproportionate actions by the security forces, and shrinking space for civil society," read the statement in part.
The Mission, however, stated that polling and counting of votes had been well administered and 'some technical improvements were evident in the results process (although further assessment is still needed).'
EU also noted that the boycott by National Super Alliance (NASA) supporters affected the turnout and led to attacks on electoral staff, resulting to approximately half that of the August elections.
"The opposition, National Super Alliance (NASA), headed by Raila Odinga, boycotted the election.
"This resulted in a turnout of approximately half that of the August elections, NASA supporters blocking the electoral process in some counties and attacks on electoral staff and citizen observers," revealed the EUEOM.
The Union condemned the attacks on electoral body saying violence was detrimental to Kenya’s democratic functioning and the rule of law, as well as its prosperity.
It further called for dialogue between the Jubilee Party and NASA as politicians needed to find a way out of the current impasse for the Constitution to be honoured.
[caption caption="File Photo of EUEOM Members"]
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The EOM, however, made it clear that this was a preliminary statement and would issue a comprehensive one later once the entire electoral process is complete.
"This preliminary statement of the EU election observation mission (EOM) is delivered before the completion of the entire electoral process.
"Critical stages remain, including reaction to results and the adjudication of petitions. The EU EOM is now only in a position to comment on observation undertaken to date, and will later publish a final report, including full analysis and recommendations for electoral reform," read part of the statement.
Here is the report in full: EUEOM Preliminary Statement
