US questions Kenya poll 'anomalies'

US questions Kenya poll 'anomalies'

	Published : Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:06 By : Agencies Print this Story

NAIROBI (Thomson Financial) - The US voiced concern today about 'anomalies' in Kenya's disputed presidential election, noting that some constituencies had declared bizarrely high turnout figures.

'The United States is however concerned by serious problems experienced during the vote-counting process,' said a US government statement released by its embassy in Nairobi.

'These included various anomalies with respect to unrealistically high voter turnout rates, close to 100 percent in some constituencies, discrepancies in the number of votes reported for the respective candidates, apparent manipulation of some election reporting documents, and long delays in reporting results.'

It also condemned election violence and urged President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga to cooperate and restore peace.

At least 130 people have been killed in clashes since Thursday's election in the east African nation, which led to widespread allegations of rigging before Kibaki was sworn in for a second term Sunday.

'We strongly condemn and deplore the violence which is taking place, and which took place in the lead-up to the announcement of the results,' the US government statement said.

'In the interests of the Kenyan people, it is incumbent on President Kibaki and leader of the opposition Odinga to promote peace, and to reach out to each other in order to work out a way forward for the nation,' the statement said.

'Both sides must refrain from any action that would make cooperation more difficult,' it added.

Odinga, who had planned to present himself as 'The People's President' at a mass rally today postponed the gathering until Thursday and predicted that one million of his supporters would show up.

Kibaki was hastily sworn on Sunday and appealed to the opposition to work with him in restoring stability across the east African nation, home to around 37 million people.

'It is important that the rule of law be respected. Those alleging vote tampering may pursue legal remedies and should be able, consistent with respect for freedom of speech, to make their case publicly,' Kibaki said.

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