Political parties call for IEBC overhaul

Political parties across the country have called for the total overhaul of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in readiness to 2022 elections.

 In a meeting with Oversight Board of Centre for Multiparty Democracy-Kenya (CMD), the parties demanded comprehensive electoral reforms.

In a statement read by CMD chair Nominated Senator Abshiro Soka, the parties said there was need to isolate political and electoral reforms.

“The time to bite the bullet and reform IEBC is here and now for smooth operations in the conduct of 2022 General Election,” said Soka.

She added that article 88 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of an electoral management body whose mandate, among others, is to create boundaries. 

“Cognizant of the current challenges at our IEBC, we urge the duty bearers to implement the recommendations of the Kriegler Report as a panacea for 2022,” she added.

Meanwhile, the parties supported the Handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga and its outcome with the Building Bridges Initiative report.

“It has restored peace and stability after divisive 2017 General Elections providing a potential environment for democracy to thrive,” they said.

The parties asked the government to implement the positive aspects of the report that require immediate action.