Destroy 1.2 million extra ballot papers, Ekuru Aukot tells IEBC

Presidential aspirant Dr Ekuru Aukot (left) with his deputy Emmanuel Nzai address the Press on the current debate of the printing of 1.2 extra ballot papers by IEBC 01/08/17. Photo by Moses Omusula

Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot has asked the electoral commission to destroy the extra 1.2 million ballot papers.

In a statement to the press yesterday, Mr Aukot said the printing of extra presidential poll papers by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) at the Dubai-based Al-Ghurair firm was suspicious.

"I urge IEBC to destroy the extra 1.2 million ballots to restore Kenyan's confidence before the polls. We want the commission to ensure free and fair elections."

The presidential candidate said he was worried that politicians could get volatile given the availability of extra ballot papers at a polling station.

 Voter turnout

"We have no justification for having extra ballot papers at any polling station because voter turnout has never been 100 per cent in Kenyan history. We demand that IEBC crosses the extra ballot papers with a permanent ink pen. This will give Kenyans confidence. Why do we want to dangle 1.2 million extra ballot papers in 48,000 polling stations and expect no repercussions?"

Aukot said the IEBC must ensure that it distributed each booklet to the 48,000 polling stations across the country and destroy any extra ballot papers.

He also accused the police of laxity in investigating the death threats reported by slain IEBC manager Chris Msando. [Lucas Ngasike]