EU backs IEBC chair

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Updated 1 hrs 4 mins ago

By Ben Agina

European Union Heads of Mission in Kenya have expressed confidence in the Chairmanship of the IEBC chairman Ahmed Issack Hassan.

Breaking their silence amid a storm that has rocked the IEBC over the tendering process on the Biometric Voter Registration system, the EU called on stakeholders to allow the chairman to implement its complex mandate free from of political interference.

The Commission has under criticism from politicians and civil society over claims that its tendering process on the BVR system creates a loophole for rigging elections.

But Commission chairman has since dismissed the allegations terming them as misplaced fears.

He warned politicians against interfering with the process of bidding tenders for biometric and digitized voter registration equipment.

Hassan added that the commission is an independent body that has a mandate in the article 88 of the constitution to compile and maintain the voter's roll and cannot therefore be influenced by anybody.

On Thursday, the seven heads of mission speaking on behalf of the 27 EU membership, said it’s the wish of Kenyans to see free, fair and peaceful electoral process organised by the IEBC.

“This is fundamental to Kenya’s development and stability and to consolidate the gains for a new Kenya promised by the constitution,” they said in statement read Mr. Bernard Rey, Head of Operation, EU Delegation to Kenya.

The press briefing at the EU headquarters in Nairobi was also attended by Bart Ouvry (Belgium), Dr. Christian Turner (UK), Etienne de Poncins (France), Agis Loizou (Cyprus), Ann Dismorr (Sweden), Aleksander Kropiwnicki (Minister-Counsellor, Poland) and Ms. Emma Andersson, Programme Officer, Finland.

EU and other members have so far pledged 26 million Euros (to the IEBC through the UNDP’s election basket.

The EU said they respect the independence of the IEBC and the good reputation it has built under the chair.

“We encourage the commission to reinforce this reputation by demonstrating Kenyans the mechanisms and safeguards it is putting in place to ensure the integrity of the elections,” said the EU.

Noting that there remain many things to be done in the run up to the elections, the EU requested the judiciary to swiftly conclude the lection related cases to enable the polls to be delivered as scheduled.

They asked the IEBC and the state authorities to enforce the news electoral and related laws.

EU Heads of Missions called for an end to hate speech and negative ethnicity and applauded the efforts of the Mkenya Daima campaign and many other non-state actors to build cohesion ahead of the elections.

“We are optimistic that Kenya can have free and fair electoral processes that Kenyans deserve if there is continued commitment of all stake holders. We stand ready to do all we can to support Kenya and the IEBC on this effort,’ said the Mission