Despite the 2017 election fiasco that saw the presidential results nullified, a majority of Kenyans, according to a new poll, believe the IEBC will deliver free and fair elections.
The poll conducted and financed by Radio Africa Group shows that nearly 60 percent of Kenyans believe critical IEBC processes in the August 9 polls will be above board.
For instance, 41 percent of the respondents said they “agree” that the IEBC will count the votes fairly. Another 15 percent said they “strongly agree” the vote counting exercise will be fair.
Asked if they believe IEBC will be impartial, 15 percent of the respondents said they “strongly agree”, while another 45 percent said they “agree”.
Only a paltry eight percent of Kenyans said they “disagree” that the IEBC will be impartial. Two percent said they “strongly disagree”.
Confidence in the Wafula Chebukati-led IEBC nosedived after the nullification of the 2017 presidential vote, a Kenyan and a continental first.
Supreme Court judges ruled that the election was tainted with irregularities and illegalities and ordered a new vote in 60 days.
The nullification of the results led to bitter infighting within IEBC, especially between Chebukati and ex-CEO Ezra Chiloba that saw then-commissioner Roselyne Akombe flee to the US.
The then-National Super Alliance (Nasa) boycotted the repeat elections, saying they had no confidence in the non-reformed IEBC.
The new survey, however, suggests a lot has changed in terms of public perception since 2017.
(Edited by V. Graham)
The poll, for instance, shows 44 percent of Kenyans “agree” that the ballot boxes will be secure. Another 15 percent of the respondents “strongly agree” the ballot boxes will be free from any tampering.
Forty-five percent of Kenyans “agree” that results of the August election will be announced without undue delay, the poll indicates. Fifteen percent of respondents “strongly agree” with this belief.
The poll of 3,152 respondents was conducted by CATI (computer- aided telephone interview) between January 5 and 15. The margin of error is plus or minus 1.75 percent with a 95 percent confidence level.
According to the poll, 47 percent of Kenyans “agree” international and local election monitors will have free access to polling stations across the country. Sixteen percent strongly agree that election observers will not encounter any roadblocks.
Similarly, 47 percent of respondents agree that the IEBC has distributed enough information to to allow citizens to register to vote. Sixteen percent “strongly agree”.
(Edited by V. Graham)
