We the heads of the following international observer missions present in Kenya — African Union (AU), Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Commonwealth, East Africa Community (EAC), European Union (EU), International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), National Democratic Institute (NDI) and ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ:
Recognise that the 2017 general elections are a critical opportunity for Kenyans to show their commitment to the democratic development of the country. Based on our consultations with Kenyan stakeholders over the past weeks, we note efforts made toward the conduct of peaceful, transparent, and credible elections so that Kenyans can express their will freely.
We call on the political leaders and their supporters to ensure peaceful elections and respect for the rule of law as they go to the polls tomorrow and through the results process. We further call on them to uphold their commitments under the Electoral Code of Conduct, which requires acceptance of the electoral outcome and seeking redress through the established legal channels.
We look to the government of Kenya to uphold its constitutional obligations to provide a secure environment in which Kenyans can vote freely, and to the judiciary to adjudicate appeals in a fair and timely manner.
Across our missions, we have over 400 observers deployed across the country who will follow all aspects of election day, and some who will remain to observe the tallying process and post-election period.
We wish the people of Kenya well as they proceed to the polls.
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