IEBC Chairman Changes Stance On Repeat Presidential Election’s Credibility

Just a few weeks after saying he could not guarantee the repeat presidential election’s credibility, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati has now firmly stated that the just concluded October 26 poll was an “above board” credible process.

Speaking to the press at Bomas of Kenya on Sunday, October 29, where vote tallying was on the final stretch, Chebukati expressed confidence that the electoral team had done a good job, despite all the controversy surrounding the election.

“I want to assure you that what we are doing here, as chairman and commissioners, we are satisfied that the process is being done properly, in a free and fair environment. I expressed my concerns on the process, I had my questions and most the concerns I expressed were answered,” he said.

“As chairman, I can confidently stand here and tell you that the process that we are now carrying on is above board. Except for the areas which did not vote, I can confidently say that I am satisfied with this process and the will of people who voted will be realized in these ballots which we are counting here,” Chebukati added.

Read Also: Activist Files Petition To Nullify October 26 Repeat Election

The chairman had in a press briefing on October 18, a few hours after IEBC Commissioner Roselyne Akombe sent in her resignation letter, acknowledged that the electoral commission was under siege.

Chebukati said he was not in control as he could not get all the commissioners on one page thereby not being able to guarantee the election’s credibility.

“I have made several attempts to make crucial changes, but all my motions have been defeated by a majority of the commissioners. Under such conditions, it is difficult to guarantee free, fair and credible elections.”

“I am convinced that without critical changes in the key secretariat staff, we may not have a free, fair, and credible election. I ask the staff who have been adversely mentioned to step aside and allow the project team to function without interference,” Chebukati added.

One of the staff in question, IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba, had since embarked on a 3-week leave to give the chairman room to run the election.

His statements, however, gave ammunition to the opposition to call for the election’s postponement and boycott. It has also been used in a petition filed at the Supreme Court looking to aul it.

The final results of the October 26 repeat presidential election are expected to be unveiled today.

More To Follow