Kenya’s Referendum on Constitution

UN Welcomes Successful End of Kenya’s Referendum on Constitution

New York, Aug 6 2010 3:10PM The United Nations today welcomed the conclusion 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.

“Constitution-making is a very important process and Kenyans from all walks of life found it important to participate in this process,” said Aeneas Chuma, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Kenya. “I want to congratulate them for not only exercising their democratic right to vote but also for maintaining peace throughout the voting period,” he added.

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 of 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.

He stressed that the UN will continue to work with Kenyans through the Government, civil society and development partners to ensure that the aspirations expressed in the new constitution are realized.

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.

ENDS

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