United Nations Issues Statement on Kenyan Elections Ahead of Final Results

In a statement dated Wednesday, August 10, UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, asked political candidates to maintain calm and respect results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The UN Secretary General further called on candidates to accept polls results without causing tension.

At the same time, the UN lauded Kenyans for exercising their democratic right peacefully. Guterres congratulated the electoral Commission for ensuring organised polls in the country.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

DW

“The Secretary General congratulates the people of Kenya for the peaceful voting during the General Elections on 9 August 2022. He notes the important work done by the Kenyan authorities and electoral management bodies, the active engagement of numerous national stakeholders and the unwavering commitment of the voters to duly exercise their constitutional right to vote,” Guterres stated.

“The Secretary-General trusts that all political stakeholders and the Kenyan people will continue to demonstrate the same level of calm, patience and respect for the electoral process as they await the announcement of the results of the polls in accordance with the legal timeframe.”

UN further maintained that it was ready to support all the other agencies to ensure the process goes on smoothly.

“The Secretary-General reiterates the availability of the United Nations to continue to support the efforts of the Kenyan authorities and people in the advancement of the democratic process in Kenya,” the UN Secretary-General stated.

Several international bodies deployed election observers in the country. 

In a recent statement, Zitto Kabwe, an election observer and opposition politician from Tanzania, lauded the transparency of the entire electoral process. 

Kabwe, from Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo party, noted that his country ought to take a lot of pointers from Kenya in terms of the election period. 

“Kenya’s electoral process is so transparent! I took a photo of turnout at a polling station I observed the closing and counting. That is Soy Primary School. Instantly after the last voter, you get turnout. Lots of lessons from this great country Kenya. Congratulations Kenyans,” he stated. 

Other observers are set to issue their statements on Thursday, August 11.

Azimio Running mate Martha Karua casts her vote at Mugumo Primary School in Gichugu constituency.

File