European Union observers have issued a list of conditions the Kenyan Government should meet before the October 17 presidential election.
The Election Observation Mission on Thursday divulged that it had been invited to monitor the repeat election with the aim of increasing electoral integrity and improving the overall process.
In the upcoming poll, the Mission observed that it was committed to impartiality and independence, does not favour any particular outcome and will work to support the fulfilment of citizens’ political rights.
The group has, therefore, come up with recommendations which it says should be implemented before Kenyans cast their ballots.
First, the observers have asked the state to undertake thorough investigations into alleged electoral offences in order to promote prosecutions where warranted, including of IEBC staff.
They expressed concerns that there had been no investigations against senior public officers who reportedly breached the law during the August polls asking for more coordination between the DPP, DCI, NCIC and other state agencies.
The Mission has also urged the Kenyan authorities to support civil society organisations having full freedom to contribute to the electoral process.
According to the group, the civil society has a right and responsibility to contribute to the electoral process, therefore, should be given the space and security to work towards greater democracy.
The EU monitors also want the government to promote accountability in the maintenance of public order.
This should include providing information on security forces deployment and allowing journalists to provide full coverage of the poll process.
They have further called for the provision of full security for IEBC Commissioners and staff citing the violent death of IEBC ICT manager Chris Msando, shortly before election day.
“Currently tensions appear to be more pronounced and therefore, it is vital that measures are taken as needed for IEBC Commissioners and staff to safely undertake their responsibilities,” read part of the recommendations.
