Presidential hopeful David Maraga has cautioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) against making statements or taking actions that could erode public confidence in the country’s electoral process.
In a statement, Maraga emphasised that the credibility of elections must be upheld continuously, not just on polling day, warning that public trust remains the cornerstone of any democratic process.
“Elections are a process whose trust and integrity must be exercised at all times, not just on Election Day,” Maraga said.He revealed that during a meeting with the Commission on March 23, he had already raised concerns about safeguarding the integrity of the electoral system.“When I met with the Commission on March 23, I emphasised the need for uncompromising ballot integrity and the faithful upholding of their Oath of Office,” he stated.
Maraga further called for the urgent convening of a broad-based stakeholders’ forum to address key electoral issues, including the audit and inspection of the voter register, diaspora voter registration, election technology, and necessary legal reforms.
“It is now urgent to convene a stakeholders meeting to address the audit and inspection of the voter register, diaspora voter registration, election technology, legal reforms, and other critical electoral matters,” he said.“We remain vigilant and ready to act. Power belongs to the citizens of Kenya,” he added.His remarks come in the wake of confusion sparked by earlier communication from the IEBC regarding voters registered before 2012.
The controversy arose after the Commission suggested that such voters might be required to register afresh, raising fears that millions of Kenyans could be disenfranchised ahead of the next polls.
The issue triggered public concern and political backlash, prompting the Commission to issue a clarification over the weekend.In its statement, the IEBC sought to reassure voters, explaining that only a small number of individuals who did not transition to the biometric registration system introduced in 2012 would be required to update their details.
“The overwhelming majority of Kenyans who registered before 2012 and subsequently enrolled under the biometric system in 2012 are already part of the register. There is no need for them to register again,” the Commission said.According to the IEBC, the biometric system, introduced following reforms under the 2010 Constitution, forms the backbone of the current digital Register of Voters used in elections since 2013. However, the initial directive had already ignited a political storm, with critics warning that any ambiguity around voter registration could undermine trust in the electoral body and potentially affect voter turnout.
IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon had earlier indicated that voters registered before 2012 might need to update their details, citing reforms implemented after the 2007/08 post-election crisis.Give me short catchy seo title to make breaking news
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