By Xinhua
Nairobi : Mediators who are trying to resolve the political impasse that has plunged Kenya into crisis called on the country’s lawmakers Tuesday to expedite legislative reforms to diffuse the current tension.
Former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, leading the panel of eminent African personalities in brokering peace, called on the legislators to exercise political goodwill to resolve the political impasse caused by the disputed December presidential elections.
Annan asked the lawmakers to support the political settlement by adopting key reforms to resolve the current political crisis.
Briefing parliamentarians on the progress of talks aimed at ending the election crisis before they move to a secret location, Annan hinted at the formation of the grand coalition as a way out of the current impasse with new polls next year.
“The current crisis is a big challenge but it provides an opportunity for Kenyan leaders to steer the country to a new level of stability,” Annan told MPs at a special session in parliament.
Annan has ruled out a recount of votes and said Kenya was too unstable for new elections for at least a year.
At least 1,000 people have been killed while 350,000 others have been displaced after the opposition led by Raila Odinga said polls were rigged.
Annan also said an independent review committee would be established to investigate disputed elections.
He said parties had agreed it would be in the interest of the nation to investigate all aspects of the 2007 presidential poll.
“We agreed that it was important not to sweep matters under the carpet. We need to understand and know what happened during the 2007 presidential election,” the 69-year-old diplomat said.
“The political deal will include comprehensive constitutional, judicial and electoral reforms,” the former UN chief said.
Both the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki’s Party of National Unity (PNU) have tabled proposals for a power-sharing agreement.
Annan, however, cautioned against speculation over the proposals being discussed and hinted that a deal may be reached in three days.