IEBC Reacts after NASA Threatened to Boycott Elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced a major reshuffle, in a move to restore confidence and credibility in its capacity to conduct free and fair elections.

In a memo dated May 2nd, the IEBC Chief Executive Officer, Ezra Chiloba, confirmed the changes, stating that all affected officers would receive their transfer letters by 20th of May.

The commission has reshuffled its staff across the country to reduce the chances of aspirants conspiring with its staff to rig elections.

In the new move, IEBC officials will not be allowed to serve in their home counties or constituencies or where they served before.

The position of regional coordinators has also been scrapped off and replaced by county coordinators with each county having a coordinator.

The Commission has retained 17 of its former regional coordinators who will serve in the new capacity of Election Manager.

New returning officers have also been appointed in all the 290 constituencies to oversee the August General Election that is turning out to be a tight race between NASA leader Raila Odinga and Jubilee's Uhuru Kenyatta.

This comes a few days after the Opposition coalition, National Super Alliance (NASA) threatened to boycott elections.

Restoring confidence in the body and addressing all issues raised by the various parties will be key to ensuring free and fair elections.