Lobby group deploys election monitors countrywide

The national coordinator of the Elections Observation Group (ELOG), Musau Muli, now says they have deployed 190 representatives to all constituencies in Kenya to observe and report on pre-election environment.

ELOG plans to deploy a total of 7,700 election observers nationwide. This, they say, will improve the integrity of the electoral process, increase voter confidence, deter irregularities and provide a basis for assessing and reporting on fairness of the election.

ELOG also opposes the National Super Alliance (NASA) plans to have a parallel tallying centre saying political chaos might erupt.

Addressing the press in Nairobi, Mr Muli said: “The official responsibility of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is to count the votes, having a parallel tallying centre will bring chaos.”

“However, legally no one is prohibited from counting the votes. But this one is like opposing the IEBC in which ELOG doesn’t support.”

ELOG, however, says that the media and political parties are at liberty to count votes but not to air or declare any results as this is the work of IEBC.

ELOG further added its findings on voter education indicate an already competitive political environment, campaigns, election-related violence and voter intimidation.

Despite voter outreach efforts to promote women’s political participation, harassment of women candidates is an emerging issue.

ELOG recommends integrity of voters register saying it is key to the realization of credible, peaceful free and fair elections.

The body further says that should any leader be found violating elections law, IEBC and other state agencies must take action against them.

By Kiplangat Kevin