IEBC Warns NASA of Blaming it if the August Election Does Not Go On as Planned

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned the National Super Alliance (NASA) against blaming the poll body if the August 8 election does not go on as planned.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati pointed out that the election process was already flawed, as there were delays in procuring technology to manage the poll.

“Should any of those processes that the Commission puts in place fail as a result of actions by other actors, those actors should solely take responsibility for such eventualities,” Mr Chebukati stated in a letter.

The electoral body accused NASA of placing obstacles in its goal to ensure that the polls would be free and fair, reiterating that the commission was committed to ensuring a credible process.

Chebukati called on the Executive and Judiciary to take responsibility as their decisions could have an impact on the electoral process.

He emphasised that IEBC’s compliance and capacity to deliver a credible poll is hinged on concerted efforts by all parties.

A leaked letter written by the NASA principals in February revealed their worries regarding the 2017 General Election.

The eight-page letter, penned by NASA's lawyer Siaya Senator James Orengo, challenged the IEBC to respond to questions on its preparedness to manage the process. 

The Opposition noted that the polls stood disputed, the timelines breached, the voter register marred with irregularities and without a credible independent audit.

The NASA chiefs further warned that the IEBC could find itself in a position where the poll would be declared illegal even before it is held. 

“There is no chance in the world you will be able to comply with ... provisions of the Elections Act, even within the next 60 days. In any event, the timelines have been breached,” NASA stated in their letter.

The Opposition team had also sought to know all parties that would have access to IEBC servers, as well as the security of the warehouses where data would be stored. 

  • .