Public servants eyeing elective seats to quit office by February 2017

Public officers intending to contest for elective posts in the next year’s General Elections must resign from office by February 9^th, 2017. This is according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

February 9^th, 2017 is also the date set by IEBC for political parties to end any fundraising.

Additionally, individuals who intend to stand for elective posts as independent candidates must resign from political parties by March 10^th, 2017.

Speaking during the unveiling of the IEBC Elections Operations Plan (EOP) 2015-2017, IEBC chairman Ahmed Issack Hassan said the timelines must be adhered to strictly.

Political parties have up to May 8th, 2017 to present their nomination rules to IEBC.

Submission of independent candidates symbols, letter of intent to vie and clearance from Registrar of Political Parties to IEBC must happen by May 16^th, 2017.

Submission of specimen signatures by party executives to appear on certificates issued to successful party aspirants and submission of party symbols to IEBC must happen by May 30^th, 2017.

The publication of independent candidates symbols will be done on June 28^th, 2017.

According to the IEBC chair, results for the General Elections slated for August 8th next year will be announced on August 15^th, 2017, seven days after Kenyans go to the polls.

The IEBC has said the management of elections is in good hands.

“Elections are too important to be left to the commission alone; all of us must be involved in ensuring the elections are carried out properly,” said Hassan.

“We are optimistic that if we are facilitated enough, we are going to deliver free and fair elections,” said IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba.

According to Chiloba, the Elections Operations Plan (EOP) 2015-2017 is informed by lessons learnt from the 2013 elections.

“We need the support of everybody. The IEBC is ready, how ready are other stakeholders?”