We are set for March, says UDFP

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By NATION CORRESPONDENT
Posted  Sunday, March 18  2012 at  20:24

The United Democratic Forum Party(UDFP) on Sunday welcomed a decision by the electoral commissionto hold polls in March next year.

n a statement sent to media houses, the party said the March 4 date settled on by the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) gave it enough time to prepare for credible elections.

Speaking in Nyeri, Industrialisation Assistant Minister Ndiritu Muriithi, who is allied to the party, said the date also gave Parliament time to pass legislation to ensure a smooth transition.

Police preparedness

Sports assistant Minister Kabando wa Kabando, who spoke at the same venue, echoed Mr Muriithi’s sentiments saying the announcement of the date was good for the economy.

“The police will also have time to prepare and thus prevent a recurrence of violence like that seen over the last three elections,” said the Mukurweini MP.

The decision by IEBC to settle on the date has been met with mixed reactions by political parties.

ODM leader Raila Odinga, a principal in the Coalition Government prefers a December date while Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, who is affiliated to PNU, backs the March date.