Kibra by-election: ELOG casts doubt on IEBC preparedness
Election Observations Group (ELOG) has cautioned on the possibility of building tension in Kibra due to the slow move to address issues raised by one of the major political parties in the November 7 high stake mini poll.
At the same time, ELOG has put the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on the spot for not addressing findings touching on its preparedness to manage the by-election.
"As the constituency heads to the ballot tomorrow to vote for their next member of parliament, ELOG recommends that the case lodged by ODM be heard and determined within reasonable time to avoid building tension in the constituency," Mulle Musau, ELOG national coordinator said on Wednesday.
Addressing journalists at the Group's offices in Kilimani area, Musau expressed concern that the change of polling stations and additional new ones is likely to result in low voter turn out, and in other areas, this may cause electoral apathy.
In the lead up to the by-election, IEBC moved six polling stations due to the ongoing national examinations, a move ELOG noted, could result in deprivation of voters' rights.
"ELOG is concerned that voters may be disenfranchised due to the changes, historically that have resulted to low turn out for by-elections, continued voter apathy and lack of sufficient voter education and information," he added.
Musau said this may adversely affect effective participation of voters in the scheduled by-election .
