The African Union Commission is confident that Kenya's August 8 General Election will be peaceful.
Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has been in the country for a two-day visit where he met President Uhuru Kenyatta, opposition Leader Raila Odinga and heads of various independent organisations.
In a press briefing at the Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi, Mahamat said after talks with the opposition leader, it came out that Raila wanted a postponement of the elections on grounds that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is not prepared. Uhuru on the other hand wants the election held on the date set by the Constitution.
Mahamat indicated that although both candidates were committed to a credible election, in a political competition people have different views.
“It is important that parties, candidates and their supporters conduct themselves in a manner that contributes to a peaceful, free and fair election. All should in particular refrain from language that fans hate and violence,” he said.
The AUC chairman said the polls are important for the whole continent and it is an opportunity for Kenya to prove its pessimists wrong that elections in Africa are synonymous with violence.
He said the simultaneous holding of six elections to elect a President, governors, senators, MPs, woman representatives and MCAs, pose organisational challenges and increases the burden of responsibility resting on the IEBC.
Mahamat said the legal instruments in place and the set-up of the IEBC assures him that the election will take place in a serene environment.
“The world is watching and we cannot accept the possibility of failure, as it is not an option. Kenya deserves better. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you at this crucial juncture of your country’s trajectory,” he said.
Kenya is key to regional stability and prosperity and its stability will foster peace and prosperity in East Africa, he said.
It is incumbent upon Kenyans and the candidates to preserve the country’s tangible progress towards economic development and resourcefulness.