•They have urged the IEBC to ensure that they make use of the technology as they believe that credible elections are the best guarantor of peace.
•The groups have emphasized on the relevance of delivery of credible results after the August polls.
Image: Angaza movement/twitter
Angaza movement, a lobby group in Kenya, has questioned efforts the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has put in place to ensure credible and free August polls.
In a meeting, on Tuesday, the group assessed IEBC's preparedness in handling the August elections.
Joseph Omondi from MIDRIFT HURINET, which is a Non -Profit Organization, warned of post-election violence in case the IEBC conducts an election that is not credible.
"We have two Presidential candidates who have radicalized their supporters. Any slightest thought that the elections were not fair, the country will burn," Omondi said.
In a statement, they have urged the IEBC to ensure that they make use of the technology as they believe that credible elections are the best guarantor of peace.
“We seek to assess the state of preparedness of key institutions to hold credible elections in Kenya,” the statement reads.
“We are drawing attention to key areas of concern and making recommendations targeting all stakeholders towards credibility in our elections."
Further, the group emphasized the relevance of the delivery of credible results after the August polls.
“Kenyans deserve elections in whose results they can have confidence, whether their side wins or loses,” the statement reads.
“Is the IEBC ready to deliver elections that will inspire the full confidence of Kenyans?”
They claimed the use of technology in Kenya does not guarantee the credibility of elections; instead, electoral technology has been used to rig the elections in the past.
“Addressing problems with technology in administering elections is imperative to avoid contestation and violence around elections,” the statement read.
Further, the groups said IEBC is yet to make clear the technology mechanism that will be deployed in this electoral cycle.
They said technology continues to play a significant role in administering Kenyan elections.
This comes as the IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati urged political parties to comply with a court order on the two-thirds gender principle and submit revised lists to the commission.
"Non-compliant political parties will not participate in the 2022 General Election for the said elective positions," Chebukati said.
Further, Chebukati urged Kenyans to ensure they verify their voters' registration status ahead of the August 9 polls.
In a meeting between the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, IEBC and the Political Parties Liaison Committee on May 13, the CEO of IEBC, Marjan Hussein outlined IEBC's commitment to delivering a transparent and credible general election.
Further, verification of voter register and management of candidates' registration system was featured as the main issues in the discussions.
The Registrar of Political Parties, Ann Nderitu acknowledged the deliberate efforts put in place resulting in synergy in the execution of the respective mandates of the three in the electoral process.