High Court Gives IEBC 7 Days to Respond to Case of Presidential Results Announcement

A High Court in Kisumu has given the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) seven days to respond to a case filed by three voters to have the body declare presidential election results within seven hours.

This was after it was noted that the electoral body had not responded to the application nor given its written submissions.

Judge David Majanja ordered the electoral body to file the required documents within the stipulated time.

"We know Kenyans are entitled to free and credible elections. The matter will be heard on July 18," Judge Majanja stated.

IEBC lawyer Henry Kenei stated he would prepare the required documents to allow him argue his case.

Earlier on voters Titus Alila, Jackline Otieno and Francis Ogada had filed a suit to compel IEBC to declare provisional presidential results within seven hours after closure of polling stations to avoid anxiety.

The petitioners argued that the seven days allowed by the Constitution could cause chaos.

They also claimed delays would compromise the constitutional threshold for a free, fair and transparent election.

"Counting of votes start at the same time as other five positions too, therefore, the presidential results announcement should not be any different," the petitioners noted through their lawyer Kenneth Amondi.