The Labour Party has asked the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to address controversies surrounding the ongoing mass voter registration.
In a press statement to newsrooms on Saturday, the Ababu Namwamba led party said the anomalies could undermine the credibility of the polls body ahead of August 8 general election.
“This election is definitely going to be hotly contested. We are therefore concerned at the controversy brewing around the IEBC, which could undermine its credibility. We urge IEBC to move fast to address these issues,” said David Makali, LP’s secretary general.
“Numerous anomalies have been exposed in the ongoing voter registration that must be addressed urgently to assure the country and candidates that the elections will be free, fair and credible.”
Makali also urged political players to desist from actions that could undermine the authority of the IEBC and its ability to conduct these elections.
He asked the IEBC to set up an inter-party consultative forum to invigilate the MVR exercise, and walk with the stakeholders each step to give confidence to the country.
Makali urged all Kenyans eligible for voter registration to visit polling stations of their choice and register as voters, saying the turn out so far was low and worrying.
“Labour regrets that despite the well laid and elaborate plans by IEBC to enroll eligible voters, the turnout has been very disappointing in most of the areas that have registered below the targets. With ten days to go, we urge all Kenyans to exercise their inalienable democratic rights, and not to commercialize theirvote by asking for incentives in order to register.”