Kenya Political Rivals to Review Vote

[February 15, 2008]  NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -- Kenya's political rivals have agreed to an independent review of the disputed presidential election, according to a copy of the deal obtained Friday.

The agreement, which also calls for a new constitution, is a clear sign of progress after weeks of violence that have left more than 1,000 people dead. It marks the first time government officials have agreed to a review of the results of the Dec. 27 election.

"We agree a political settlement is necessary to promote national reconciliation and unity," said a copy of the agreement obtained by The Associated Press. The deal was signed Thursday and witnessed by chief negotiator and former U.N. chief Kofi Annan.

The two sides, however, are still trying to resolve the difficult question of how to share power.

The agreement calls for the two sides to draw up a new constitution within a year, which could pave the way for a prime minister's post or another way to share power.

"We have only one outstanding issue ... the governance structure, which is being actively discussed. Several options have emerged," said the agreement, adding that the negotiators will now consult President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga.

A spokesman for former U.N. chief Kofi Annan, who is mediating, had first announced Thursday a deal had been struck, but offered no details.

The agreement called for an independent committee "to investigate all aspects of the 2007 presidential election." The committee will include Kenyan and non-Kenyan experts, start work March 15 and submit its report within three to six months. The report will be published two weeks later.

In the agreement, the government also acknowledged that the dispute cannot be resolved in court because the deadline for complaints has expired earlier this year. Kibaki's government had insisted the opposition take its complaints to the courts, while Odinga had argued he stole the vote and should step down.

The 10-point agreement also provides for a comprehensive reform of electoral laws and institutions and the creation of a truth, justice and reconciliation commission.

The report also said politicians must examine how long-standing land grievances, accusations of ethnic favoritism and frustration over poverty and corruption contributed to the violence.

[Associated Press; By MALKHADIR M. MUHUMED]

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