European Union Warns Kenyan Politicians Over Demands on IEBC

The European Union (EU) has become the latest international body to warn Kenyan politicians against making unattainable demands on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of October 26th repeat election.

In a statement, EU urged parties to continue engaging with dialogue to end the deadlock surrounding the repeat poll and warned that making unreasonable demands on the electoral commission could affect its ability to conduct the fresh election.

“With only a few days remaining until the 26th October, actions and declarations against the IEBC could have an adverse effect on its ability to fulfil its Constitutional mandate,” the EU said in a statement.

“Unreasonable demands, threats of boycott or attempts to change electoral regulation are to be avoided.”

The EU seemed to agree with African Union's position, whose Chairman Musa Faki cautioned that the tight deadline for the October 26th election does not allow for any distractions.

The European Union together with UNDP, the US and UK governments are the main sponsors of IEBC and are currently funding a programme dubbed "Strengthening Electoral Processes in Kenya" (SEPK) worth Sh500 million.

The EU said it was closely monitoring the events in the country over the fresh poll, which opposition leader Raila Odinga has threatened to boycott if his demands are not met by the electoral commission.

“Following the Supreme Court ruling annulling the 8 August 2017 presidential election, it is crucial that all political actors respect the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in the organisation of the re-run,".

“All parties should seriously engage with the IEBC in a dialogue about processes and procedures, and support its work as it prepares for the new election.