President Uhuru, NASA leader Raila Odinga told to respect IEBC's independence

Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga (Photo: Courtesy)

An international observer mission group has asked the electoral body to implement reforms to guarantee free, fair, and verifiable presidential elections due next month.

The European Union Election Observer Mission Kenya, 2017 also outlined 18 key concerns that should be addressed to ensure the fresh presidential polls meet the constitutional threshold and related laws.

The observers implored President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party and Raila Odinga's National Super Alliance (NASA) to respect the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as it plans to conduct the October 17 poll.

President Kenyatta's win was annulled by the Supreme Court after Raila disputed the outcome, citing massive irregularities and breach of law.

The mission, in a statement released on Thursday, affirmed that it will assess the implementation of the recommendations, adherence to the legal framework of Kenya, and compliance with the country's international commitments.

"IEBC reform actions are essential for demonstrating compliance with the constitutional requirements for the electoral process to be simple, accurate, verifiable, secure, accountable, and transparent," stated Chief Observer Marietje Schaake (below).

"As with every electoral observation mission the EU conducts, we are committed to impartiality and independence and bound by the EU's methodology."

The observers have identified a number of issues touching directly on the electoral agency, politicians, the media, security agencies, and civil society.

"The persistent criticism of the integrity and neutrality of State institutions has negatively affected confidence in the election. It undermines State institutions' independence, including the Judiciary, threatens the rule of law, democratic order and effective governance," said Ms Schaake.

The observers have recommended that electoral officers be accorded adequate security.