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The Nairobian

ODM to push for inter-parties model in formation of new polls body

Politics

By James Omoro | Mar 27, 2016

From right, ODM Chairman John Mbadi, Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga, Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti and Homa Bay Women rep Gladys Wanga dance during a fundraiser at Nyenga secondary school in sub constituency. Mbadi said ODM is pushing for the use of Inter-Parties Parliamentary Group (IPPG) model for reconstituting another independent electoral body. BY JAMES OMORO

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is pushing for the use of the Inter-Parties Parliamentary Group (IPPG) model to reconstitute a new electoral body.

The party said it will push the government to allow formation of the IPPG model ahead of next year's General Election.

ODM Chairman John Mbadi and MPs Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and Tom Kajwang’ (Ruaraka) said the IPPG model allows formation of an electoral commission through contributions of registered political parties.

Speaking during a fundraiser at Nyenga Mixed Secondary School in Suba constituency, the three MPs said an electoral commission formed through the model would enhance impartial polls.

The formation of a new electoral commission using the model will prevent the body from being compromised by any party, they said.

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Mbadi said CORD will meet next week to chart a way forward on how to remove the current Independent, Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chaired by Issack Hassan.

“The coalition will meet any time next week to find a way of removing the IEBC from office and allow the formation of another body. Part of the modalities include a demonstration by all Kenyans dissatisfied with it,” said Mbadi.

The ODM chair accused the IEBC of being partisan. “A lot of state resources were spent in the Kericho senatorial by-election. Security personnel also harassed ODM supporters in the Malindi mini polls but the IEBC has never taken any action against the perpetrators,” said Mbadi.

Wanga insisted that the 2017 general election will not take place transparently if Hassan and his team are allowed to conduct it.

“We can only have free and fair elections in this country if ODM, URP, TNA, Kanu and other political parties contribute to the formation of an electoral body. There is no reason for anybody to fear the use of IPPG model unless they are conspiring with the IEBC,” said Wanga.

She said the Chicken-gate scandal bedeviling IEBC and other complaints raised against it are enough prove that the commission can easily be compromised.

Wanga accused the commission of mishandling the Okoa Kenya referendum process.

According to Kajwang’, CORD will change tactics in its push to remove IEBC as it is unable to do so at the gloor of Parliament due to Jubilee’s tyranny of numbers.

“The CORD fraternity must now change its tactics if we are to eject IEBC commissioners from office ahead of next year’s general election,” said Kajwang’.