IEBC set to map polling stations, enlist voters

From left: Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Isaack Hassan, Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa and IEBC CEO James Oswago during the new branding identity at the Laico Regency, Nairobi July 12, 2012. Mr Hassan said IEBC will next week release its timetable on mapping of polling stations in readiness for voter registration. STEPHEN MUDIARI

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission will next week release its timetable on mapping of polling stations in readiness for voter registration.

IEBC chairman Issack Hassan said Thursday that the Commission will receive the recent judgment on the challenges to its report on new boundaries on Monday.

He said that after this, the commission will embark on mapping out the polling stations which are essential for voter registration.

“We are embarking on voter education. Then we hope that any of the appeals that will be lodged on Monday’s judgment will not impose an injunction on our operations so that we can register voters next month,” Mr Hassan said.

He was speaking after the IEBC unveiled its new branding identity at the Laico Regency in Nairobi. The launch was also conducted simultaneously in 17 regions in the country.

Mr Hassan said that they are currently monitoring politicians to ensure that they do not take part in harambees as well as educating Kenyans on the next elections.

He said that the IEBC is also involved in monitoring other deadlines such as submission of nomination rules by political parties.

Deliver promise

The IEBC chairman said that the Commission’s new identity and slogan “Your Vote, Your Future” is a pledge to Kenyans that it is committed to deliver its promise to the electorate of conducting a free and fair election.

“This has been a long and sometimes confusing journey especially to the voter. Which body is managing elections and what are their values? Some people still refer to the Commission as ECK, IIEC or even ICC, the International Criminal Court. If people cannot call us by our name, how will they know what we do? We therefore feel we need to be more conspicuous, not only in image but also in values and culture,” Mr Hassan said.

He adds that the IEBC has conducted several Constituency and Ward by-elections in a transparent manner that saw losers conceded defeat and congratulate their opponents.

“You all know this is a rare gesture from the Kenyan politicians. To us such a gesture is a demonstration and an endorsement of our efforts,” Mr Hassan said.

He also said that the Commission will continue to invest in technology to enhance the credibility of the electoral process.

He said transmitting sensitive data, real-time and unhindered is the most significant step any institution can go to democratise information.

Mr Hasan also defended the Commission’s request for a huge budget saying that this was aimed at ensuring a smooth flow of the electoral process.

He said that the Commission wanted to make queues shorter on polling day, keep people from voting twice and get the vote count to the people as fast as possible.

“The bulk of our budget was for a one-off capital investment on technology. Our budget for logistics and operations is even lower that of the previous general election despite the many ballots in the coming election.

"But even with a lean budget, we are still committed to doing credible elections,” Mr Hassan said.