Observers cite threat to poll in four counties

Protesters light bonfires in Homabay town and barricade roads during anti-IEBC demos. Election observers have named Homabay, Kisumu, Siaya and Migori are areas where there is threat to repeat poll. PHOTO | BARACK ODUOR | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The group also pointed out that should the Opposition boycott the election, then there is a real threat that the results will be contested on a political front based solely on the number of voters who turn up at the ballot.
  • Mr Fola said that even though IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said he cannot guarantee a free and fair election under the current circumstances, he told politicians not put the agency under intense pressure to serve their agenda.

The African Electoral Observation Group has listed four counties it says pose the greatest threat to the repeat presidential election slated for Thursday.

The group on Sunday listed Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Siaya as areas where the elections may not take place due to the attacks recently meted out on IEBC officials conducting training in the regions.

“Notwithstanding the attacks on the institution, we have observed that preparations for the elections continue smoothly in the other 43 counties and promise a smooth, free, fair and credible election,” said head of the observers mission Robert Fola.

The group also pointed out that should the Opposition boycott the election, then there is a real threat that the results will be contested on a political front based solely on the number of voters who turn up at the ballot.

CONCERN

In their preliminary report titled “October 26: Kenya’s irreducible minimum,” the group expressed concern that the tense political environment would greatly affect IEBC as they prepare for the repeat poll.

“The IEBC should not be maligned and punished for the actions of politicians. It is an unacceptable transference of blame and indeed constitutes offences both under the Elections Act and the Penal Code. It is a subversion of the constitutional order of the nation,” Mr Fola said.

“Kenya cannot abscond the date with itself, October 26, remains the time for electoral commission to conduct a free and fair elections,” he added.

Mr Fola said that even though IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said he cannot guarantee a free and fair election under the current circumstances, he told politicians not put the agency under intense pressure to serve their agenda.