[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 177 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
June 23, 2003.
Whereas on December 27, 2002, the Republic of Kenya successfully held
presidential, parliamentary, and local elections;
Whereas these elections were widely praised by objective international observers
as free and fair;
Whereas the Department of State stated that with these elections the Kenyan
people ``have made a strong demonstration of their democratic commitment
and established an important example for the region and for the world'';
Whereas the European Union stated that ``the overall conduct of the elections
constitutes an example for other countries in the region'';
Whereas these elections signal a major step forward for Kenyan democracy,
particularly when compared with other elections held in Kenya since it
became an independent state in 1963;
Whereas the transition of power put in motion by these elections culminated on
December 30, 2002, when former President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi
peaceably transferred the Kenyan presidency to President Mwai Kibaki;
and
Whereas these elections and the subsequent transfer of power from leader to
leader represent the birth of a successful new democracy in Kenya: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) commends the people of the Republic of Kenya for conducting free
and fair elections, and the Government of Kenya for its successful
completion of a peaceful and orderly transition of power;
(2) expresses its desire to see this new democracy in Kenya continue
to thrive, as it has in the months following the 2002 elections;
(3) urges other African countries to look to Kenya as an example of
a working democracy in action and to follow the example set by the
people of Kenya during this recent election process;
(4) reaffirms the friendship that exists between the people of the
United States and people of Kenya, as two nations bound together by the
shared values of democracy;
(5) offers its commitment to working to ensure democracy is able to
grow and flourish as Kenya moves into the challenging future that lies
ahead; and
(6) commends the Government of Kenya for its commitment and concrete
steps taken--
(A) to strengthen democracy, human rights and the rule of
law;
(B) to combat corruption;
(C) to provide free and universal primary education;
(D) to fight against HIV/AIDS; and
(E) to support the United States in the war on terrorism.
Attest:
Clerk.