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Independent presidential candidates have slammed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over their 48,000 signature requirement, terming it a ‘conspiracy to block out independent candidates from the ballot’.
Those who want to appear on the ballot as presidential candidates will have to present at least 2000 signatures of non-party affiliated supporters from at least 24 counties – a requirement that parties have deemed nearly impossible.
The independents have accused the poll body of setting up numerous roadblocks for them, adding that the requirements could be aimed at discouraging them from vying for Kenya’s top seat.
“This is a conspiracy by you, IEBC, to block out independent candidates from vying in the coming August polls,” said Nazlin Umar.
Speaking during their pre-nomination exercise Tuesday, the candidates urged IEBC to allow them submit an open list of 48,000 supporters from at least 24 counties – even if the supporters are affiliated to other parties.
On his part, Joe Nyaga called upon the electoral body to solve its issues with the opposition, the National Super Alliance (NASA).
The Raila Odinga-led Opposition outfit has numerously threatened to sit out the August 8 General Election if IEBC succeeds in its bid to overturn a ruling on the tallying of presidential poll results at the constituency level be final.
Instead of debating the presidential vote tally dispute in court, Nyaga advised IEBC to discuss the issue with NASA directly.
“Why you don’t just sit with NASA and solve the problem once and for all, because you, IEBC, will be judged by Kenyans based on how you will execute these elections,” said Nyaga.
Mohamed Abdouba Dida, who was able to garner a massive 52,848 votes in the 2013 presidential poll, slammed the media fraternity for their alleged plan to lock independent candidates out of the national presidential debate.
Dida said that no potential leader should be locked out of an opportunity to engage with the public, arguing that independent candidates have the greatest potential to reform the country.
“Change and reforms will not come from Jubilee or NASA because we have seen where they have failed the country but from independent candidates. It is because of this fallacy of ‘two horse race’ that America is in shambles and they want a vote of no confidence on President Trump,” said Dida.
However, IEBC through Chairperson Wafula Chebukati, has reiterated that they have no say on list of independent supporters as the requirement is stipulated by law.
Chebukati said the poll body has no intentions of locking out independent candidates, insisting that IEBC is only interested in upholding the law.
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The IEBC boss added presidential candidates with questionable academic degrees will not be allowed to participate in the August poll.
Souce: Citizen Digital
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