B4-0035 and 0084/98

Resolution on the results of the elections in Kenya

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Kenya and in particular that of 18 September 1997 ((OJ C 304, 6.10.1997, p. 139.)),

- having regard to the statement by the Presidency of the European Union of 6 January 1998,

A. whereas presidential and parliamentary elections were held in Kenya on 29 and 30 December 1997,

B. whereas various irregularities came to light during the election campaign and during the election itself,

C. whereas, however, these elections have been endorsed by the national observers who were responsible for monitoring the way in which they were held,

D. noting, moreover, that the opposition proved unable to overcome its differences and unite behind a single candidate,

E. whereas President Daniel Arap Moi has been re-elected and his party, the Kenya African National Union, has retained an absolute majority in the Kenyan Parliament by two seats,

F. whereas, despite the inadequacies encountered during the electoral process, these elections constitute a new stage in a process of democratization which must be consolidated; whereas constitutional reforms are an essential step to promoting national reconciliation,

G. whereas the IMF aid blockade on Kenya remains in force on account of the government's failure to meet conditions on economic governance, budgetary transparency and the fight against corruption,

1. Welcomes the attachment of the Kenyan people to democratic values as demonstrated by their massive participation, often in very difficult conditions, in the national elections;

2. Notes the results of the Kenyan elections on 29 and 30 December 1997, while regretting the irregularities which blemished the smooth running of the electoral process;

3. Urges President Arap Moi to continue the dialogue with the opposition parties and to respect fully the powers that the constitution confers on the elected Parliament;

4. Calls on the Kenyan Government, in particular, to ensure that all political forces in Kenya are involved in the process of revising the constitution, in a genuine spirit of national reconciliation;

5. Urges the Kenyan Government to adopt and implement without delay effective measures against corruption;

6. Calls on the Commission to keep up its pressure, under the Lomé Convention, on the Kenyan Government to achieve respect for human rights and implement effective measures against corruption;

7. Calls on the Commission to support special programmes by NGOs which contribute to the development of the democratic process in Kenya, for example by tackling illiteracy and promoting independent institutions of civil society;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the Co-Presidents of the ACP-EU Joint Assembly and the Kenyan Government.