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STATEMENT OF THE AFRICA LIBERAL NETWORK ON THE KENYAN ELECTION RESULTS
The largest political affiliation in Africa, the Africa Liberal Network, takes note of the decision by the National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition to challenge the Kenyan election results. Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, a full member of the ALN, and head of NASA, announced on 16 August that they will be petitioning the court to investigate claims of fraudulent and rigged elections. Kenyans took to the polls on 8 August, but the release of the results were soon labelled as false by opposition parties.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared President Uhuru Kenyatta the winner of the elections with 54% of the votes, however the NASA coalition disputes these results as they claim that the IEBC database and servers has been hacked and an algorithm introduced to rig the votes. International election observation missions labelled the Kenyan elections as free, democratic and fair, and said that it took place without incident, but the Carter Centre raised some concerns about the early release of results. Protests by opposition supporters in certain parts of Kenya was met with police suppression and brutality. “By going to court we aren’t legitimising misplaced calls from some observers for us to concede but are seeking to give to those who braved the long lines in the morning chill and hot afternoon on Tuesday 8 August 2017…a chance to be heard,” reads a statement by Odinga.
The ALN welcomes the decision by NASA to follow due process in challenging these election results and calls on all Kenyans to remain calm and respect the rule of law, without inciting violence. The network also calls on the Kenyan government and President Kenyatta to offer their cooperation in clearing up the matter of the disputed election results. An independent investigation has to be completed without interference in order to let democracy prosper. It is of the utmost importance that peace reigns in these worrying times.
The ALN supports its sister party in its legal battle, and will continue to fight for liberal values, not only in Kenya, but over the whole of Africa.
Media enquiries:
Zanie Ferreira (ALN Coordinator)
zanie.maree@africaliberalnetwork.org
