Vincent de Boer of the European Union in Kenya with IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati and vice chairman Consolata Nkatha during a past event [photo/standard digital]The European Union as appealed to politicians to stop making 'unreasonable demands' to the electoral agency, IEBC, ahead of polls due on October 26.
The EU has called on all sides to continue holding meaningful discussions with IEBC, warning any derail of the preparation process and therefore could affect the conduct of the polls.
“With only a few days remaining until the 26th October, actions, and declarations against the IEBC could have an adverse effect on its ability to fulfill its Constitutional mandate,” the EU said in a statement to media.
“Unreasonable demands, threats of boycott or attempts to change electoral regulation are to be avoided.”they addedThe EU sided with the call by the African Union, whose Chairman Musa Faki noted the tight deadline for the repeat elections does not allow for any detractions as currently is the case.The European Union is among the main sponsors of the IEBC, which together with the UNDP, the US and UK governments are currently funding a programme called the Strengthening Electoral Processes in Kenya (SEPK) worth Sh500 million until February next year.
The EU said it was closely following updates in the country, which has seen Nasa Presidential Candidate Raila Odinga threaten not to participate in elections unless some poll officials accused of malpractice resign.
“Following the Supreme Court ruling annulling the 8 August 2017 presidential election, it is crucial that all political actors respect the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in the organization of the re-run. All parties should seriously engage with the IEBC in a dialogue about processes and procedures, and support its work as it prepares for the new election," they said in a statement issued to the media.