CORD reveals proposals to ensure free and fair elections

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has revealed four proposals aimed at ensuring the elections in Kenya are free and fair.

In the proposals, the Opposition coalition wants the number of IEBC commissioners reduced to just five with political parties being given slots in the commission.

The coalition also wants the IEBC chairman position to be on a one-year rotational basis in a bid to avoid collusion between the commission and political parties in making biased electoral decisions.

Also, CORD wants the amount of time that an election petition takes at the Supreme Court be extended from the current 14 days to 60 to give the petitioners time to gather evidence and present a concrete case.

Speaking on Saturday, Kisumu Senator Anyang Nyong’o said their aim is to create a solid electoral agency that cannot be influenced by political parties in its decision-making process and ensure elections in Kenya are free and fair.

CORD is currently tangled in a tussle with Jubilee over the removal of IEBC commissioners saying they have been compromised by government and are planning to rig the next elections in favour of President Uhuru Kenyatta, allegations that the commission has refuted.

The Opposition has also called on President Kenyatta to disband the commission due to their alleged involvement in the Chickengate scandal, wn the improper procurement of BVR kits in the infamous

Senator James Orengo on Sunday said that they would return to the streets on Monday after the government failed to name legislators that would be involved in the dialogue process.

CORD had suspended their protests last week to give room for dialogue on the reformation of IEBC.

Police have however warned CORD against holding the protests with Inspector general of Police Joseph Boinnet terming the protests illegal.

Orengo has however differed with Boinnet saying a court order issued last month did not forbid them from holding the protests but storming IEBC offices.

@benjaminwafula