Why some form 34A’s did not have security features – Ezra Chiloba explains

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba has spoken at length, clarifying issues regarding the commission, one of them being why some form 34A’s never had the compulsory security features.

Chiloba appeared in an interview on TV and shed some light on key issues raised concerning the commission, in relation to the nullified August 8^th election.

Several complaints raised by the National super Alliance (NASA) led to them filing a presidential election petition at the Supreme Court, which for the first time in Africa successfully pushed through.

Chief Justice David Maraga led a seven bench judge to nullify the election and ordering a new one.

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati announced that a repeat presidential election will be carried out on October 17^th 2017.

During the Interview, Mr Chiloba answered on a number of issues, one key one being the transmission of results from polling stations to the national tallying centres and also the issue of forms 34A and 34B.

He said that the reason why some forms never had the required security features was due to small errors officers made on the ground, one being the destruction of some because of improper placement in the printer.

He also stated that it was because of this reason that some officers had to fill the results on an ordinary piece of paper.

NASA leader Raila Odinga has insisted that the coalition will not walk into the repeat election if these issues are not dealt with, specifically those to do with election malpractices. He categorically said that he want’s Chiloba removed from office or lead NASA to boycott elections.

Mr Chiloba, however, has stood his ground despite constant criticism from the Opposition.

It was reported that the commission had some internal misunderstandings which they resolved in a retreat held mainly to plan for repeat elections.

According to the CEO, the final results could not have been affected just because some forms never had security features. So long as the results transmission was consistent, then I do not see the issue. The issues raised were not huge enough to invalidate the election.”