Kenya: UN welcomes successful end of referendum on constitution

The United Nations today welcomed the conclusion of the referendum on a new constitution in Kenya, lauding the peaceful and orderly manner in which voting was conducted and commending the people of East African country for turning out in large numbers to cast their ballots.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent his congratulations to the people of Kenya, describing the country’s new basic law was as a “major milestone in addressing the country’s long term challenges.”

“The United Nations was pleased to provide assistance to the electoral authorities and to support national conflict prevention efforts involving national leaders, institutions and civil society,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said, adding that UN will continue to support the Kenyan Government and people in their efforts to further reconciliation, accelerate development and strengthen democratic institutions and governance in their country.

In Nairobi, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Aeneas Chuma, also praised the people of Kenya on behalf of all UN entities in the country.

“I want to congratulate them for not only exercising their democratic right to vote but also for maintaining peace throughout the voting period,” Mr. Chuma said in a statement to the media.

Over 67 per cent of Kenyans voted in favour of the new constitution, the Kenya media reported, quoting returns provided by the country’s interim electoral commission, which put the turn out at 71 per cent. The new constitution aims to strengthen democracy in the country, make the presidency more accountable to the legislature, devolve political power to soon be created counties and enhance the protection of human rights, among other provisions.

Mr. Chuma said that the endorsement of the proposed constitution had opened a new chapter in the history of Kenya, but noted that much effort and resources were still needed to implement the new charter.

“While this is a big milestone for many Kenyans who have tirelessly sought a new constitution for the past 20 years, it is only but a beginning to a prosperous future,” he added.

Mr. Chuma described the referendum as well-organized and transparent and highlighted successful UN inter-agency coordination mechanisms, preparedness plans and deployment of field staff to monitor and report on possible humanitarian consequences related to the outcome of the referendum.

Monitoring in the run up to, during and after the referendum focused on possible referendum-related incidents that might have escalated into clashes. So far, no major humanitarian-related issues have been reported and the situation remains calm, Mr. Chuma said.

The UN played a role in encouraging Kenyans to maintain peace during the referendum and supported the constitution-making process by providing technical and financial support to various institutions including the Committee of Experts, who draft the constitution, the Interim Independent Electoral Commission and the National Committee on Integration and Cohesion.