NAIROBI, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Western diplomats on Monday regretted the withdrawal of Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga and his running mate from Thursday's repeat presidential elections and urged them to reconsider boycotting the exercise.
The diplomats from the United States, Britain, Germany, Norway and Denmark among others said although they respect Odinga's decision not to participate in the fresh poll, they regret the move.
"We have been engaged in efforts to find a way that will encourage them to rejoin, and continue to hope they will do so in light of the progress made at the IEBC and our shared commitment to the democratic electoral process," the envoys said at a joint statement issued during a news conference in Nairobi.
"The new election must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution and court order, but it is vital that it be credible and be held in a competitive, peaceful, and participatory environment," said the envoys.
Odinga has declared he will not participate in the Thursday's repeat elections, saying the electoral body did not meet the opposition's demands for reforms and resignation of officials who they accused of bungling the previous polls.
IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati last week signaled that he could not guarantee a credible vote within the expected timeline.
His admission came hours after one IEBC commissioner fled the country, saying she did not want to be party to farce elections.
Analysts have warned that the risk of deadly clashes between the two main parties' supporters, or between security forces and groups seeking to block the vote, is high ahead of the polls.
The diplomats also urged President Uhuru Kenyatta not to sign into law amendments to the election laws as it will deteriorate the current political stalemate.
They condemned the attacks on IEBC officials adding that politicians should shun from using violence or intimidation against institutions.
