Election 2022: Azimio asks DCI to probe printing of ballot papers
Politics
By
Ibrahim Oruko
| Aug 08, 2022
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya has said the electoral commission's decision to suspend the Mombasa and Kakamega governor election was a scheme deliberately engineered to lower voter turnout in its strongholds.
Addressing a press conference last night, Azimio Secretary General Junet Mohamed said it was curious that the suspension only happened in its strongholds and claimed that it was not a coincidence but part of a deliberate plot to disenfranchise voters in the two counties.
Junet said Azimio will invite the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to audit the printing ballot papers and establish the extent to which there was mischief and criminality on the part of the commission.
"In a couple of days, we shall invite DCI to audit the process of printing of the ballot papers and to establish the extent to which there was mischief and criminality on the part of IEBC," he said.
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He added the party will also invite DCI to determine whether there was negligence by IEBC or their designated printer.
"IEBC is required by law to exercise duty of care in the printing and distribution of ballot papers for the general election. We want to invite DCI to determine the extent to which their failure to do so resulted in this mishap," Junet said.
Section 6 of the Election Offences mandates IEBC commissioners and its staff having any duty to perform in line with the any law relating to election will be in breach of official duty if without reasonable cause does or omits to do anything.
However, Junet called on supporters in the two counties to turn out in large numbers and vote for Azimio flag bearer Raila Odinga and candidates vying for other elective seats.
"We are not happy because we see a hidden scheme but our supporters should still come out and vote in large numbers and a shame the commission and its benefactors," he said.