Court allows IEBC to tender afresh ballot papers printing

A bid by Dubai-based Al-Ghurair printing firm to stop the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from issuing fresh tender for ballot papers failed after Court of Appeal ruled that the application lacked merit.

The ruling now gives IEBC the green light to go on with the tendering process.

The Court of Appeal ruled that the application seeking to stop  the process lacked merit and directed that the appeal be heard on priority basis.

The court ruled that the General Election slated for August 8 is fast approaching  and there is a likelihood that the orders sought would interfere with the IEBC  preparation fro the said election.

”It is, therefore, in the public interest of the elections to take place during the said date. Consequently, the balance of convenience tilts in favour of us declining to grant orders,” the court ruled.

In the case, the Dubai firm moved to court to challenge a decision by Justice George Odunga to quash IEBC decision to award the tender for the supply and delivery of ballot papers for election.

Justice George Odunga, in his verdict, held that the tender, which was awarded to Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company,  failed to comply with the Election Laws.

The case had been filed by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.

“It was unreasonable for IEBC to proceed with the award of tender without taking into account the new regulations,” said Justice Odunga.