ACP-EU JOINT PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

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PRESS RELEASE

OBSERVER MISSION TO KENYAN ELECTIONS

On the invitation of the Government of the Republic of , the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) observed the Presidential, National Assembly, and Civic Elections in Kenya, which took place on Friday, 27 December 2002.

The Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) is one of the joint institutions established under the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, which was signed in Cotonou, Benin on 23 June 2000. The JPA is composed of members of National Parliaments and Assembly’s of the 15 European Union (EU) Member States and the 78 States of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group.

The ACP-EU JPA Observer Mission arrived in Kenya on 22 December 2002 and is co-lead by Beatrice Kiraso (MP- Uganda) and Fodé Sylla (MEP – France). Other members of the Observer Mission are Henry Zembere (MP – Malawi), Nelly Maes (MEP – Belgium) and Abdallah Mohamed Badri (Member of the National Assembly – Sudan). The ACP-EU JPA Observer Mission worked in close cooperation with the European Union Election Observer Mission in Kenya (EUEOM) and the independent European Parliament (EP) Observer Team.

The main objective of the ACP-EU JPA Observer Mission was to observe the voting process with particular reference to compliance with technical procedures established to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. To this end, the Observer Mission focussed its attention on specific issues assessed essential in maintaining overall freedom and fairness of the voting process and the environment.

The Observer Mission was deployed in the Constituency (Rift Valley) and observed the opening of the polling stations, polling process, closing of polling stations, counting of ballots, and the tallying process. The Observer Mission did not observe any malpractices and/or major irregularities during the voting process and procedures followed in the Naivasha Constituency on 27 December 2002. One of the more notable features of the Elections as observed was the friendly and peaceful atmosphere that was evident amongst voters. In the Naivasha Constituency the organised manner and efficient conduct of Election and Party Officials are commended, and we would like to call upon the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) to further improve the electoral process.

______B-1047 BRUXELLES ■ TÉL: 32/2.284.60.60 ■ FAX: 32/2.284.90.67 F-67070 STRASBOURG ■ TÉL: 33/3.88.17.60.60 ■ FAX: 32/3.88.17.99.75 At the dawn of a new era in Kenya, and after these historic Elections where the people of Kenya have exercised their democratic right, the ACP-EU JPA would like to express its continued support to the people and Government of Kenya. The further strengthening of democracy, including good governance, rule of law and human rights should ensure that Kenya would further prosper and develop, and indeed also contribute to the renaissance of the African continent.

Done in , 28 December 2002.

______B-1047 BRUXELLES ■ TÉL: 32/2.284.60.60 ■ FAX: 32/2.284.90.67 F-67070 STRASBOURG ■ TÉL: 33/3.88.17.60.60 ■ FAX: 32/3.88.17.99.75