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Post by JAHAATWACH on Dec 30, 2007 23:47:54 GMT 3
JUST IN....
UK DOUBTS kibaki's victory.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband is quoted in BBC 4 NEWS raising UK's concern on the outcome of the elections.
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Post by JAHAATWACH on Dec 30, 2007 23:49:50 GMT 3
Government voices 'real concerns' over Kenya election 'irregularities'
LONDON (AFP) — Foreign Secretary David Miliband on Sunday expressed "real concerns" at "irregularities" reported in the Kenyan presidential elections.
Miliband urged leaders in Nairobi to work together to address the irregularities noted by European Union observers and others, in a joint statement with International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander.
The pair said deaths in election-related violence -- in which 18 people have died since Thursday's ballot -- had marred the election in the former British colony, which became independent in 1963.
"This is a pivotal moment for Kenya, a time when the democratic process and election outcome has to be seen to be fair in the eyes of the Kenyan people," they said.
"We congratulate Kenyan voters for conducting their vote in an orderly and dignified manner."But we have real concerns at the irregularities reported by the EU observers and others.
"We call on all Kenya's political leaders and democratic institutions to work together to address those concerns, seriously, in a spirit of unity, and in a way which will bring the respect and support of the Kenyan people.
"Those leaders must also ensure the safety of Kenya's people -- the tragic deaths this weekend have marred an otherwise peaceful election."That violence must not be repeated."
Britain looks forward to working with a legitimately elected government of Kenya, they added.
Mwai Kibaki was sworn in Sunday for a second term as Kenyan president as supporters of pipped opposition leader Raila Odinga rioted in major cities saying the election was rigged.
EU election observers in Kenya said Sunday that the country's electoral commission had failed to ensure the vote's credibility.
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