A peaceful and inclusive electoral process will restore Kenya’s glory

The following article was authored by 19 ambassadors and high commissioners resident in Kenya:

Nairobi hosted the third Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation Conference from December 5-6.

Mr Kofi Annan, the chairman of the African Union Panel of Eminent Persons, urged the international community to continue supporting Kenya’s process of democratic reforms and national reconciliation. We are keen to do so.

Other speakers at the conference, including Prime Minister Raila Odinga, echoed President Mwai Kibaki’s speech during Mashujaa Day, calling for continued national dialogue and comprehensive preparations for the 2012 General Election, in a spirit of unity, built on a firm platform of reforms.

Once again, this was an encouraging call for a national inclusive process towards free, fair and peaceful elections to help Kenya restore its image as a beacon of democracy and development in Africa.

The international community supports this call from Kenya’s leaders, building on the progress made since 2008, with a new Constitution providing hope for a new political culture in Kenya.

We particularly commend the crucial supervisory role played by the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution, the work of Parliament, and the role of an active civil society in continuing to hold the government to account.

We also welcome the determination of the Judiciary to build confidence in the rule of law through reform. The ICC process in Kenya has partly stimulated that change, encouraging the Judiciary to move forward with reform.

Policing

Whatever the outcome of this process, we trust it will be the beginning of a national process of justice for the victims of post-election violence and for prevention of a recurrence in the future.

A fair and effective judicial system depends not only on the Judiciary, but on the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Police.

Corruption, impunity, and human rights violations remain obstacles to political reform and economic development. The institutions tasked with tackling these challenges need to be strengthened.

Police reform is making some progress, but corruption and human rights violations by the police remain great concerns.

The early establishment of the Independent Police Oversight Authority would provide greater confidence that these issues are being addressed, underpinned by increased government investment in policing.

These measures, together with a strong and progressive Police Service Commission and Inspector-General are vital to changing the policing culture.

Next year’s elections will be a test of how far Kenya has come in embracing the spirit of its new and progressive Constitution.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission are crucial to carrying out those elections.

National dialogue

We look to the IEBC to demonstrate that it is a truly credible, strong institution, moving quickly to complete voter registration and make other preparations.

We call on the government to give its full support the IEBC, to ensure preparations run smoothly so that all those entitled to vote are enabled to do so.

We likewise urge political parties and candidates to play their part in securing the integrity of the electoral process and to campaign responsibly.

We call on Kenya to decide on the date for the next General Election in an open and transparent manner, to ensure confidence in the election process, and to allow the authorities to start the comprehensive election preparations needed.

The international community continues to support Kenya’s reform process and to help Kenya prepare for next year’s elections.

These elections will be an opportunity to uphold and defend the Constitution. And they will help define the direction of Kenya’s future stability and development.

We encourage all Kenyans to take ownership of this process. All stakeholders, including the political leadership, business community, the media, religious communities, and civil society at large, must continue to play their part in ensuring that the principles and values of the Constitution are protected.

We, therefore, reiterate our support for both Principals’ demands for continuing national dialogue, and a free, fair, and peaceful election.