KENYA: Electoral Committee moves repeat Presidential poll to October 26

The fresh presidential election ordered by the Supreme Court will now be held on October 26, just five days to the 60 days allowed by the Constitution; instead of 17 October as earlier announced by the IEBC.

In a brief statement, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati announced that the decision was taken to ensure the agency is adequately prepared in light of the court’s full judgment delivered on Wednesday, 20, 2017.

“There is no doubt that the judgment impacts on the election operations and in particular the technology to be deployed,” said Mr Chebukati adding that “To ensure the commission is fully prepared to deliver an election that meets the standards set out by the Supreme Court, we wish to notify the public and all stakeholders that the fresh presidential election shall now be held on Thursday, October 26, 2017,” he said.

The IEBC had sought Sh12.2 billion (about 120 Million USD) for the election, following the nullification of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory by the Supreme Court.

In its ruling on a petition filed by National Super Alliance (NASA) flagbearer Raila Odinga, the court held that the election was not free and fair. It blamed the polls agency for the irregularities.

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SOURCE: Online News