CAADA endorses repeat presidential election

Centre for Advocacy against Alcohol and Drugs Abuse (CAADA) Chairperson Emily Mwitari (left)  alongside Treasurer Florence Mworia (centre) and Eunice Ngatho (Member) on Thursday 02 2017{David Njaaga, Standard}

An advocacy group that observed last week's repeat presidential election has expressed satisfaction with the way the poll was conducted.

Centre for Advocacy against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CAADA), which was accredited by the electoral commission to observe the election, said the October 26 vote was done in strict compliance with the law and reflected the will of voters who participated in the process.

However, CAAD Chairperson Emily Mwitari noted the low voter turnout and cases of threats.

The lobby deployed 91 observers to 24 counties countrywide to witness the election process.

The election took place in 43 counties and was disrupted in four Nyanza region counties.

“Generally, in majority of the counties we visited, voting was conducted properly as necessary procedures were adhered to," said Ms Mwitari.

EXISTING LAWS

"In summary, the voting process was largely undertaken in accordance with the existing laws and Constitution.”

“However, voter turnout was low in the majority of constituencies and this can be attributed to the Opposition's (National Super Alliance) call to boycott the election. Security concerns in some counties resulted in a number of people opting to stay home."

The group further noted the Kenya Integrated Electoral Management System (KIEMS) technology worked seamlessly in most of the stations observed.

“In a few stations where the KIEMS kits failed during the polling, it was reported to the constituency returning officer who replaced it within 30-40 minutes and voting was able to proceed smoothly,” she said.

The group however noted there was no voting in rehabilitation centres, thus denying drug addicts their democratic right to vote.