IEBC Pushes Repeat Presidential Election to October 26th

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced the change of the repeat presidential election from October 17th to October 26th, 2017.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chabukati on Thursday said the move was triggered by the detailed judgment delivered by the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

The new date, which will still be within 60 days of the general election allowed by the Constitution, will allow the commission to meet the standards spelled out the Supreme Court, said Chebukati.

“There is no doubt that the judgment impacts on the election operations and in particular technology to be deployed,” Chebukati said.

“In order to ensure that the commission is fully prepared to deliver an election that meets the standards set out by the Supreme Court, we wish to notify the public and all stakeholders that the fresh presidential election shall now be held on Thursday October 26, 2017,” added Chebukati in a press release.

IEBC further said it will provide more details on its preparedness for the repeat election.

Kenya chief Justice David Maraga, while delivering the judgement on Wednesday said the the commission did not follow the stipulated law in the August 8th presidential election and thus declared the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta as null and void. He added that he will not hesitate to issue the same verdict again if the commission still does not carry out the repeat election in strict adherence to the law.

“As for the IEBC, all we are saying is that, the constitutional mandate placed upon it is a heavy yet, noble one. In conducting the fresh election consequent upon our orders, and indeed in conducting any future election, IEBC must do so in conformity with the Constitution, and the law. For, what is the need of having a Constitution if it is not respected?” four Supreme Court judges posed in their judgment.

Justice Njoki Ndung'u and Justice Jack Ojwang' dissented with the majority judges.