ELOG: We can’t tell if repeat presidential poll was credible

0
1057
ELOG chairperson Regina Opondo. PHOTO: COURTESY.

Nairobi, KENYA: Election Observation Group (ELOG) has said that the fresh election conducted on October 26 was conducted in a cloud of uncertainty, tension, and apprehension in many parts of the country.

Addressing journalist on Wednesday, ELOG chair Regina Opondo indicated that unfavorable political environment was aggravated by the apparent lack of trust in key institutions, that would otherwise ensure that the elections were conducted in a credible manner.

She further said that Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was under constant attack especially by the opposition, which later withdrew from participating in the election.

She added that the police were also not left behind after being accused of using excessive force on unarmed protesters, among other things that resulted in the death of over 60 Kenyans and 60 other victimization cases according to report shared by KNCHR, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.

“ELOG also implored the IEBC to show leadership in the process by first putting its house in order and then seeking advice from the supreme court on whether,given the prevailing politico-legal environment,it was feasible to conduct the fresh presidential election as scheduled.” Said Regina

Elog also believes that elections was characterized by violence that led to deaths in places like Nairobi,Busia,Migori,Kisumu and Ath River,where police clashed with protesters on the election day.

ELOG also observed that the postponement of elections in 25 constituencies due to insecurity, violence, and tensions in many parts of the country due to the political standoff that was beyond the control of IEBC ,served to disenfranchised millions of Kenyans who were eligible to vote.

Comments

comments