The EU does not question the results in Kenya and urges a peaceful resolution of the electoral controversy

BRUSSELS, Aug. 16 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The European Union has avoided questioning the results in the presidential elections in Kenya and has urged the parties to “peacefully resolve” the disputes after the proclamation of William Ruto as the winner, in an announcement that the majority of the Independent Electoral and Border Commission (IEBC) does not subscribe.

“Yesterday the IEBC announced that William Ruto has won the presidential elections,” an EU spokeswoman told Europa Press about the elections in Kenya, without questioning the results that gave victory by a narrow margin to the vice president until now against the candidate. official Raila Odinga. The presidential elections have had a European observation mission and the deployment of hundreds of observers on the ground.

In this sense, community diplomacy has urged all parties to “work together to peacefully resolve any outstanding concerns about the elections through existing legal procedures.”

In this way, and with an eye on the future relationship, the spokeswoman stressed that the European Union seeks to work in a coordinated manner and develop a relationship with Kenya that is mutually beneficial.

Four of the seven commissioners that make up the IEBC disregarded the results that they consider to be the result of an “opaque” process. Ruto’s victory was celebrated in some parts of the country, while in others there were violent incidents, with the police intervening with the use of tear gas against demonstrators.

The announcement of the final result of the elections was delayed several times due to accusations of electoral fraud raised by the Odinga campaign, generating a gradual increase in tension.

More than a thousand people died after the 2007 elections and another hundred in 2017, during the re-election of the outgoing president, Uhuru Kenyatta. Odinga, chosen as his successor, had been leading the polls for days before the elections were held.

According to the preliminary report of the European observers, the elections took place “peacefully” in Kenya and fundamental rights were respected, although they consider that there is room for improvement in procedural matters.

The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, valued the “peaceful atmosphere” during the elections, noting that “it demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to democracy and inclusive governance.”