Opinion:Should presidential candidates declare they will accept poll results?

 

Kenyans need commitment that irrespective of the outcome of the elections, the candidates will accept the results.

This will help the country forge ahead after the polls. It is very dangerous to leave the choice open because a candidate who may not be contented with the results can opt to respond to it the way he/she likes because he is not tied to any promise.

Kenyans want peace even after elections and failure by the candidates to promise us in advance that they will accept the results is a recipe for unnecessary tension.

Come August, we want to be guaranteed that our lives will remain normal and that we can go about our daily businesses without fear of a stalemate.

Committing to accept the results will also help boost investor confidence and that is what we all want. We want the world to know that we have a strong resolve to maintain peace, and that is why it is important for our presidential candidates to give us an assurance that they will accept the results.

In case one is not contented after the polls, then they can seek other avenues, especially courts of justice. As a parent, I also want our children to know that they will be safe after the August polls.

The failure by any candidate to commit to peace is disastrous to all of us and that is why I feel they should take it upon themselves and assure us in advance that they will accept the results.

Ms Odhiambo is an Independent candidate for the Kisumu County Woman Rep seat