IEBC rejects request by political parties to extend primaries deadline

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati PHOTO:COURTESY

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has turned down a request by political parties to extend the deadline for nominations.

Following a meeting with Chairpersons of National Election Boards and Secretaries General of all political parties, IEBC said the parties were required to complete their primaries by April 26.

The request for extension follows a series of anomalies that have resulted to cancellation of results and postponement of the nomination exercise in various centres.

Parties now have only three days to finalise the exercise.

IEBC Chair Chebukati asked political parties to use their membership lists as the Commission has not shared its register with any party.

“The 2013 IEBC register may only be used as a reference point for identifying the polling station where the voters are based,” said Chebukati in a press briefing after the meeting.

During the meeting, parties committed to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct and that party leaders shall also come out to underscore the importance of peaceful, violence-free nominations. Sanctions would be imposed on any political party or aspirant that breaches the Code of Conduct.

The meeting also resolved that parties should commit to ensure free and fair primaries including ensuring that polling stations are opened early, sufficient election material are available and issues of election malpractices are avoided. 

Parties were given up to 10 May to resolve disputes arising from their primaries.

IEBC has directed its legal team to explore with the Court the possibility of early disposal of the matter on party hopping on or before April 26, which is the gazetted deadline for party primaries.