IEBC should extend voter-listing period

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission should consider extending the voter-registration period.

I understand that the commission has faced financial constraints in conducting the process, a situation that was worsened by the busy schedule of conducting very competitive by-elections in Kericho and Malindi.

Further, the BVR kits supplied across the country were not sufficient to register all the potential and willing voters.

One month is too short to carry out such a crucial exercise.

It should also be understood that Kenya is a country where most citizens assume that time will definitely be extended and aren’t in a hurry to to do certain things. This is of course a bad habit that should be discouraged but IEBC should not ignore that assumption.

Further, the period between now and the time elections will be held is still long enough for the commission to continue with this process without pressure or frustration. It would be much more prudent if the commission considered doing it in phases.

Another fact, which IEBC should consider, is claims by the Opposition that its strongholds have been sidelined and that there is a malicious scheme over the same.