Party threatens to boycott elections if agency not reformed

Democratic Party of Kenya will participate in the 2017 elections only if supervised by a reformed electoral body, the deputy national chairman has said.

Speaking to the Daily Nation on Sunday, Mr Peter Ndubai said they were worried that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) dispute has polarized the country and affected the economy negatively.

He said that DP supports the Opposition and government's resolve to finding a solution on the IEBC stalemate before the coming General Election.

“The stalemate in the electoral commission is serious and needs all the stakeholders to be on board when finding a lasting solution. Kenyans are tired of the political temperatures emanating from the IEBC stalemate.

If the IEBC is not reformed, we will boycott the elections,” Mr Ndubai, who is aspiring to be Tigania West MP in Meru County, said.

However, he added that the party has no plan to join the Jubilee Alliance Party, but backs President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election.

He said that the electoral reforms must be inclusive and transparent.

"All political parties, religious organisations and other interested parties should be involved to achieve acceptable and appropriate reforms within the commission," he said.

Mr Ndubai added, “Future reforms or removal of any public officer must be within the Constitution and not by street demonstrations or gentleman agreement by only two political parties. We need all the stakeholders’ involvement."

Editing by Philip Momanyi