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

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 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. 

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. 

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.