IEBC grapples with court case over tender to supply ballot papers

By Wahome Thuku

NAIROBI, KENYA: A fresh dispute is now simmering over the awarding of a contract for the supply of ballot papers and results forms for the March 4, General Election.

A British company, Aervote Ltd, has filed a petition at the High Court seeking to stop the supply and delivery of 15 million ballot papers and forms over what it called breach of procurement law.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) led by Chairman Isack Hasan has awarded the contract through direct procurement to another UK firm — Smith and Ouzman.

Aervote Ltd filed the case at Milimani Courts to have the contract quashed and the parties prohibited from relying on its terms. They also want the contract revoked until the case is heard and determined.

Documents obtained by The Standard indicate that the bid for the supply of the ballot papers and the forms was accepted by the IEBC through a letter dated November 9, 2012. The tender was, however, lodged three days later on November 12.