IEBC officials in Nyanza express security fears

IEBC officials in Nyanza express security fears

The electoral commission could be forced to postpone the October 26 election in select parts of Nyanza region following security fears expressed by officials expected to oversee the repeat presidential poll in the area.

A section of constituency electoral officials in Kisumu, Siaya, Migori and Homa Bay counties now feel unsafe to conduct the exercise following the withdrawal of National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential candidate, Raila Odinga from the fresh election.

Over the past few weeks, Nyanza and sections of the Western region have been rocked by a wave of violent demonstrations witnessed during clashes between NASA supporters, who are demanding reforms at the IEBC, and anti-riot police.

NASA leaders have vowed to derail the repeat poll in opposition strongholds insisting that there will be no election on October 26, a stance Jubilee Party leaders have laughed off.

However, IEBC Commissioner Roselyn Akombe, while speaking after attending a training session in Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties on Saturday, October 14 assured the county electoral officials that the commission will provide extra security to them come October 26.

“I have heard of their concerns over the security situation which is serious and I will be taking them to the commission for deliberation. We will also look at Kisumu and other counties affected to find the best way forward,” said Akombe.

According to the Elections Act section 73, the commission may postpone an election in an area where there is reason to believe that a serious breach of peace is likely to occur if the election is held on the set date.

Such postponement would however not necessarily be national, but the IEBC would be required to set another date for the postponed election as soon as it is practicable.

 

Tags:

raila odinga JUBILEE President Uhuru Kenyatta OCTOBER 26 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION Jubilee and NASA leaders defend CJ Maraga IEBC comissioner Roselyn Akombe IEBC Commissioner IEBC POLL OFFICIALS

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