Economy

UN, African Union urge political leaders to work with IEBC

AU

African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat. FILE PHOTO | DIANA NGILA | NMG

The United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) have asked Kenya's political stakeholders to cooperate with the electoral body ahead of Thursday’s presidential polls.

In a joint statement, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres and chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat have asked politicians, their parties and their supporters to create conditions for peaceful election and refrain from acts of violence.

The two leaders said they are closely monitoring Kenya and are committed to assisting it hold credible and transparent elections that uphold the Constitution.

“In this respect, we call on all stakeholders to cooperate with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), as the constitutionally-mandated body to conduct the election,” read the statement.

Mr Guterres and Mr Mahamat also stressed the need for the security organs to exercise restraint and use of minimal force when performing their duty, while respecting freedom and political liberties of all Kenyans.

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