Polls body defends tender for ballot papers

IEBC deputy chairperson Lillian Mahiri Zaja (left) flanked by EAC deputy secretary general Dr Julius Rotich addresses journalists during the EAC meeting of experts on elections at Nairobi Safari Club on November 12 2012. PHOTO / PHOEBE OKALL

The electoral body has defended its move to single-source for ballot papers from a British firm instead of following the usual bureaucracy involved in an open tendering process.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission vice-chairperson Lillian Mahiri-Zaja said time constraints ahead of the March 4, 2012 justify the decision.

Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting of experts on the East African Community principles for election observation and evaluation, Ms Zaja said there was no time for IEBC to conduct an open tendering process.

She explained that the IEBC had been hamstrung by an earlier unsuccessful tender for the ballot papers which failed to attract an appropriate supplier.

She however said IEBC was still holding consultations on the tender.

“Questions have been raised about the tender but talks are still going on,” Ms Zaja said.

The official said although IEBC was targeting to register 18 million Kenyans ahead of March 4 elections, the figure could reach 22.5 million due to use of Biometric Voter Registration.

EAC deputy secretary general in-charge of political federation, Dr Julius Rotich said the community will monitor Kenya's elections.

Dr Rotich said EAC is committed to promoting democratic governance through the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the partner states.

The deputy SG said EAC will standardize election observation and evaluation in the region.

He added that EAC will give necessary support to IEBC.

“The development of the draft EAC Principles of Election Observation and Evaluation is a positive move towards having a common regional instrument for assessing the legitimacy and credibility of elections in the region,” Dr Rotich said.

He said the conclusion and endorsement of the draft principles will enable EAC Election Observation Mission to pre-test and pilot them during Kenya’s elections.

Tanzania Registrar of Political Parties John Tendwa said EAC countries have to enhance democratic elections “as we are in a fragile region.”

The meeting, which ends on November 16, is meant to enable regional electoral chiefs to learn preparedness and challenges relating to the upcoming general elections and consider planned activities towards the EAC Election Observation Mission to Kenya.