IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati at a past briefing [Photo/Kenya Today]
The independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) may decide to cancel or postpone elections in NASA strongholds.
This is following the breach of piece in the NASA strongholds which may not give room for peaceful and meaningful elections in the regions.
NASA leader Raila Odinga had earlier vowed that the elections which are slated for October 26 will not be conducted arguing that the IEBC has notbmet there demands- the 'Irreducible Minimums' as they term it.
It is evident that the elections may not be successful in these areas after residents of Kisumu and Homabay were seen roughing up IEBC officials' training sessions. Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga warned Siaya residents not to participate in the elections after Odinga withdrew from the ballot.
The NASA leaders also announced that October 26, the elections date will be there big day for holding mega demos to push for IEBC reforms.
The electoral agency is however mandated by the law to cancel or postpone elections in areas breach of peace as the NASA strongholds prove.
According to section 55 of the Election Law(Amendment) Bill 2016, the electoral commission may postpone elections in a certain area due to insecurity and where a breach of peace is likely to occur.Section 55B says “(1) The Commission may, where a date has been appointed for holding an election, postpone the election in a constituency, county or ward for such period as it may consider necessary where-(a) there is reason to believe that a serious breach of peace is likely to occur if the election is held on that date; (b) it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of a natural disaster or other emergencies, (c) that there has been occurrence of an electoral malpractice of such a nature and gravity as to make it impossible for an election to proceed”.
The law also provides that where an election is postponed, the election shall be held at the earliest practicable time.