For Kenya to have free, fair, and peaceful elections, all citizens must have trust in the IEBC, International Partners on the 2017 Elections in Kenya have said.
The envoys said on Wednesday in a statement that politicians and citizens have the responsibility to build trust in the democratic system and to find ways to ensure the electoral and judicial institutions are strong and effective.
“Organizing free, fair, and peaceful elections is a “whole of society” effort. Voters must have confidence that institutions such as the IEBC and the judiciary are impartial, efficient, and operate in accordance with the law.”
“In all of our meetings, we have reiterated the crucial importance of public confidence in the electoral system.”
They also said IEBC and the judiciary must have the resources they need to carry out their responsibilities.
With just 15 months to 2017 polls, the envoys condemned attempts to incite the public, saying it could lead to violence.
They urged the government, opposition, and the people of Kenya to embrace dialogue to ensure peaceful elections in 2017.
The envoys welcomed IEBC’s efforts to register more voters, especially the youth.
They said all Kenyans must be able to obtain national identity cards from the National Registration Bureau through a process that is timely, fair, and reasonable.
The statement was issued by Ambassadors and High Commissioners to Kenya from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Australia and the Netherlands.
Cord leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula have maintained that they will not participate in the 2017 general election if the current IEBC team, led by Issack Hassan, will manage the polls.
They claim there is a plot by the electoral body and the ruling Jubilee coalition to rig the elections.