A day after the High Court ordered the inclusion of Ekuru Aukot in the fresh election, the Thirdway Alliance leader has issued a new demand to IEBC in regards to the upcoming polls.
Dr Aukot on Thursday wrote to the electoral body asking for the process of having his name gazetted as a presidential candidate be quickened in light of the ruling by Judge John Mativo.
On Wednesday, Justice Mativo stated that it was clear the election is not a run-off but a fresh poll thus all participants in the August exercise had a right to be included on the ballot paper.
"I still find nothing to bar the contestant from the fresh election. Since 60 days is not enough for nominations, then those who participated in the nullified poll should qualify to run," he added.
Read Also: Court Orders IEBC to Include Another Presidential Candidate in October Election
[caption caption="Thirdway Alliance Party Presidential Candidate Ekuru Aukot "]
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Speaking after the ruling, Dr Aukot affirmed that he would be on the ballot paper, rubbishing previous reports that he was contemplating withdrawing his candidature.
"I wish to thank the court for this decision. It has protected the will of the people and we have reaped the benefits of our efforts. I will be on the ballot," he explained.
Read Also: Ekuru Aukot's Statement on Quitting Presidential Election
Dr Aukot moved to court after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) gazetted two presidential candidates — President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga and their running mates — as the only ones eligible for the repeat poll.
He had first moved to the Supreme Court seeking an interpretation of “fresh elections” but Chief Justice David Maraga directed him to file the case before the High Court.
According to Dr Aukot, with the Supreme Court invalidating the August 8 presidential vote, anyone who contested the poll is eligible to vie in the repeat election.
“The simple meaning of the Supreme Court decision is that there was no election and anyone who participated in the August 8 presidential election has a right to vie,” he stated.
[caption caption="IEBC During a Previous Press Conference"]
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