Electoral matters have been misrepresented – IEBC

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reacted to various issues surrounding the preparations for the 2017 General Election.

The electoral body regretted chaos that erupted in Parliament during the debate on the review of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2016 saying issues arising from electoral processes have been misrepresented and blown out of proportion by political players.

IEBC, in a statement to newsrooms, said that it had convened a meeting with leaders from both sides of the political divide and the Communications Authority of Kenya to discuss the applicability of technology in the 2017 elections as prescribed by the Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2016.

The electoral body said that it raised some questions on internet network coverage in the country and its implication if the law was to be used in its entirety.

“It is also the duty of IEBC to inform the public and relevant institutions when the constitutional right to vote is likely to be infringed upon by the same statutes,” read the statement in part.

According to IEBC, the Parliamentary Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs (JLAC) instructed it and the Communications Authority of Kenya to look into options of increasing the internet network coverage in the country and report back to it by January 20, 2017.

IEBC also expressed surprise by the suspension of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) from participating in electoral processes in the country arguing that the organization has been a resourceful partner since 2002.

“IFES has supported the electoral processes in Kenya since 2002 in areas of voter education, electoral technology and gender mainstreaming, among others,” added IEBC.

The electoral body defended its engagement with international organisations saying: “Partnerships between the IEBC and international partners is guided by the principles of national sovereignty and national ownership of the electoral process.”

IEBC further disclosed that it is currently engaged with USAID, DFID, Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB) and the European Union, which are providing electoral assistance in preparations to the 2017 elections.