EU chiefs salute Kenyan voters

(BRUSSELS) - European Union chiefs saluted on Thursday a landmark constitutional referendum in Kenya, after a first test of voting since mass bloodshed in 2007-2008 passed off peacefully.

The 27-nation EU bloc's foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said the vote for a more democratic constitution represented a "landmark" in Kenya's reform agenda, "which demonstrates the commitment of the government to fundamental legal and political change."

She called for "further necessary reforms" including to Kenya's electoral system, police and judiciary, but praised the participants' "leadership, ability to compromise and determination to bring a difficult process to a successful end."

European parliament leader Jerzy Buzek also hailed Kenyans' "remarkable democratic maturity... only three years after the political tensions which followed the last elections."

The former Polish prime minister said the new constitution "will make Kenya a more transparent, a more accountable and fairer democracy" if confirmed.

"A strong and stable Kenya benefits not only Kenyans, but also the whole east Africa region," he added.

The new constitution was supported by President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who are expected to address the nation later on Thursday.

Wednesday's referendum, the first national poll since deadly violence broke out between supporters of the two leaders in the aftermath of the disputed December 2007 election, passed off without any incident.