Nine western countries have issued a joint statement on Kenya's preparedness for a free, fair and credible General Election scheduled for August 9.
On Monday, February 28, Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Kenya lauded the country for its efforts in facilitating a conducive environment for the August polls.
They also announced that Kenya has ascended in the African Charter of Democracy, Elections and Governance, an initiative by African leaders to ensure good governance in the continent.
The envoys urged political actors in the country to follow the set principles and articles set out in the Charter.
“As Kenya prepares for political party primaries and the August elections, we commend Kenya’s work to advance early preparations, elections security and support for independent institutions such as IEBC, that has the constitutional mandate to conduct the elections itself.
“Kenya can rightly be proud of its status as one of the leading democracies in Africa. We as partners will continue to engage with Kenyan leaders, citizens and organizations across the country in the months ahead," the statement read in part.
The statement was issued by the Ambassadors of Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and High Commissioners from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.
They also further commended Kenyan non-state actors for their important contributions in promoting electoral integrity, voter awareness and women’s political participation.
“We, like the people of Kenya, recognise the importance of free, fair and credible and peaceful elections this August to Kenya’s prosperous and stable future. We share the fundamental principles outlined in the African Charter of transparency, accountability, equal representation, rule of law and respect for human rights.”
The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance is an initiative by African leaders to provide solutions to African Governance.
Its main role is to ensure the implementation of African Union (AU) Shared Values and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. (ACDEG)
Under the charter, member states must adhere to universal values and principles of democracy and respect for human rights as well as free and fair elections.
Kenya signed the Charter on June 28, 2008, and the accession process of the Charter began after it was approved by the Cabinet on March 19, 2020.
The development came amid a complaint by the political faction allied to Deputy President William Ruto which had raised issue with the Executive's role in the Technical Working Committee For Election Preparedness.
The committee, chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, brought together various players in government including the Cabinet Secretaries for Interior and ICT - as well as the IEBC team which has since excused itself from the unit.
