NAIROBI; KENYA: Kenyans now have eight names from which to elect the country’s Fourth President in next month’s transitional General Election which will crown President Kibaki’s retirement.
After clearing and handing nomination certificates to the presidential candidates, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will now press on with printing of ballot papers ahead of the March 4 elections.
The presidential ballot paper, white in colour, will bear the photographs of the presidential candidates and their party symbols alongside the name of the running mate, who are candidates for deputy president.
On Friday IEBC concludes nominations of candidates for other elective seats, setting the stage for the first elections under the new Constitution.
IEBC has since contracted British firm Smith and Ouzman for the printing and supply of ballot papers at a cost of 13 million British pounds (about Sh1.8 billion), which includes the cost of a presidential run-off in case there is no clear winner in round one.
After completing the formal nominations, IEBC is expected to approve the ballots and transmit the ballot artwork to Smith and Ouzman.
IEBC has planned that the ballots are supplied by February 22, close to the poll date to ensure security of voting material.
Kenyans will see whether the outcome of the polls will vindicate opinion polls that have consistently ranked Coalition for Democracy and Reforms candidate, Mr Raila Odinga, at the top followed by Jubilee alliance flag bearer, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, second, but closing in.
If the first round does not give a clear winner, meaning one who gets more than 50 per cent of the votes cast nationally and at least 25 per cent of votes cast in half of the 47 Counties, there would be a run-off between the top two.
Campaign trail
It will be at this stage if it comes to that, that the losers could decide to back any of the two, meaning there could be a new realignment, which could again change the game of numbers the leaders are currently immersed in.
Also given IEBC nomination certificates to contest the presidency are Amani candidate Mr Musalia Mudavadi, Mr Peter Kenneth (Kenya National Congress), Martha Karua (Narc-Kenya), Prof James ole Kiyiapi (Restore and Build Kenya), Mr Paul Muite (Safina) and Mr Mohammed Abduba Dida (Alliance for Real Change).
In the lead up to the official campaign period, parties are expected to appoint their national and County chief election agents by February 18 — at least 14 days to elections.
Meanwhile, presidential candidates have embarked on a month-long gruelling campaigns to sell their policies and convince 14 million registered voters why they are best suited to succeed President Kibaki.
On Sunday, the Jubilee Alliance will launch their harmonised manifesto at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. CORD unveiled its 10-point manifesto on Monday at Nairobi’s Kenyatta International Conference Centre, which prioritised job creation, land reforms, food security and universal healthcare among others. Candidates are battling to connect with voters through blue prints that attempt to address problems that have bedeviled the country.
Recent surveys have shown high cost of living and lack of jobs top the list of challenges facing Kenyans.
Other problems include insecurity, poor leadership, bad infrastructure and lack of water. Campaign teams have sought to capture solutions in their manifestoes to win the hearts and minds of voters.
The candidates are expected to take a break from the busy campaign schedule for the first ever televised presidential debate on February 11when they will field questions on their agenda for the country.
Tours
The first election under the new Constitution has raised the threshold for election as president, with a requirement to win the popular vote and also a regional spread of votes. It has also clipped the imperial powers the three previous Presidents wielded.
The law requires that a presidential candidate or a political party shall not at any time change the person nominated as a deputy presidential candidate after their nomination by IEBC.
Meanwhile, presidential candidates fan out across the country for a weekend heavy with campaign stops. The candidates head out to regions considered their strongholds or where controversial party primaries have caused rifts, hoping to exploit the falling out in rivals’ camps.
On Thursday Jubilee Alliance’s duo of Uhuru and Mr William Ruto began a three-day tour of Central Kenya in Meru.
With President Kibaki retiring, rival presidential teams are courting Meru, which has voted for Kibaki in past three presidential elections since 1992.
Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi’s Alliance Party of Kenya has fielded candidates in the region in competition with Uhuru’s The National Alliance.
On Friday Uhuru and Ruto will rally supporters in Tharaka-Nithi County and address a public rally in Embu County.
Raila and his running mate Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka will campaign in Mwingi on Friday and Kitui on Saturday. On Monday the Cord team, which includes Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetangula will tour Kisii. Mudavadi will address rallies in Narok County, where the party has fielded former minister and Party of National Unity chairman Gideon Konchella in governor’s race.
Mudavadi will on Saturday be in Migori, where aides say United Democratic Forum candidate targets to reap from the falling out in Raila’s party over nominations for tickets.
On Sunday Mudavadi will campaign in Nandi County, where Kanu has sponsored former ambassador Stephen Tarus, who defected after losing in United Republican Party’s primaries, to gun for the Senate.
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