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| Koffi Annan Urges Peaceful Kenya Elections |
"The elections must be peaceful, free and fair. They must be conducted in accordance with the rule of law. They must be carried out with integrity, and must reflect the will of the people," said Mr Annan in a statement Saturday on behalf of the Panel.
He said while it is the election commission's duty to ensure the March 4 General Election is fool-proof, Kenyans should play their role towards a peaceful process.
"Whilst it is the duty of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to safeguard the integrity of these elections, it is the responsibility of everyone — political leaders, their parties, the security services and the media, and the Kenyan people — to ensure that the elections are conducted in a safe and peaceful manner," Mr Annan said.
Mr Annan said post election disputes should be handled by the courts. He said the reformed Judiciary "enjoys the confidence and trust of the Kenyan people and stands as a key pillar in this transformative process".
"The results of the elections - freely and fairly arrived at - must be respected, and if disputes arise, they must be settled through the appropriate judicial mechanisms," he said.
"Elections are not a winner-take-all political competition in which unsuccessful candidates and their supporters are marginalised.
"On the contrary, elections with integrity confer legitimacy on the winner and security for the loser. When conducted with integrity, electoral processes are at the heart of a democracy's ability to resolve conflict non-violently."
The Panel lamented that ethnic rivalry and intimidation could jeopardise the March 4 polls and called for issue-based and sober campaigns. It said if left unchecked, the tension and violence could take the country back to the brink.
Dark days
"Kenyans remember the terrible consequences of the post-electoral violence in 2008. The country stood on the precipice of self-destruction. And that is why recent violent events and increasing tensions in the run-up to the elections are deeply worrying," Mr Annan said.
"Kenya cannot risk a return to those dark days."
He said Kenyans should exercise restraint to ensure "that violence and hatred play no part in these elections".
The Panel praised the reform agenda driven by the Constitution and said a successful outcome of the elections would spurn better fortunes for Kenya including economic growth and ability to attract investors.
"Over the course of five years, the foundations for sustainable peace, stability and justice through the rule of law and respect for human rights, are gradually being strengthened.
"Kenya now has one of the most progressive constitutions on the African continent, which guarantees to promote and protect the social, economic and political rights of all citizens."
- Daily Nation
