IEBC to print ballot papers in two weeks, says Chebukati

Independent electoral and boundaries commission (IEBC) will begin printing ballot papers for the August 9 poll in the next two weeks.

The commission is on Monday expected to complete the vetting and clearance process of all the cadres of aspirants on Tuesday.

The returning officers in the 290 constituencies, the 47 counties and at the national level have been doing the exercise since May 27.

The commission is expected to gazette all the candidates by June 9.

However, the court is yet to conclude and determine a case filed by aspirants challenging the enforcement of the integrity law.

IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati has asked the judiciary to expedite the conclusion of the cases to ensure smooth running ahead of the polls.

There are only 63 days to the poll.

“We are going to follow the law and we would wish that the pending cases be heard as soon as possible within this framework of two weeks before we begin the process of preparing the ballot papers,” Chebukati said.

“If there is any decision from the court on the clearance of individuals then we are going to incorporate it in our plans.”

This progress come even as the IEBC continues to clear candidates across the country.

In Kwale, former transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere and ex-Agriculture PS Hamadi Iddi Boga were cleared on Saturday to run for the governor seat.

Deputy Governor Fatuma Achani and James Gereza Dena were cleared on Sunday.

Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi was cleared on Sunday morning to defend his seat.

Woman Representative Kawira Mwangaza and Senator Mithika Linturi, who are seeking to oust Kiraitu were also approved to run on Saturday.

The high court in Meru had declined to stop IEBC from clearing Linturi and Kawira, who were allegedly sued by residents for lack of degrees.

In Kisii, ODM flag bearer for the governor's seat Simba Arati was cleared to run for the seat on Sunday.

In Lamu former county governor Issa Timamy and his running mate Raphael Ndung’u were cleared.

The IEBC on Sunday failed to clear two Mombasa gubernatorial aspirants for failing to adhere to all the set regulations.

The two; Mombasa Deputy Governor William Kingi and former Nyali MP Hezron Awiti Bollo, were sent away for failing to comply with all the requirements.

Kingi was sent away after his running mate, Amin Roble, showed up with photocopies of his documents, against the IEBC’s requirement of carrying both original and copies of the required documents.

Kingi and Roble had appeared before Mombasa county IEBC returning officer Swalha Ibrahim to present their nomination papers.

Former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar vying for the seat on a United Democratic Alliance party ticket allied to Deputy President William Ruto, rescheduled his appearance before the commission to Monday.

Omar, who is also taking a second shot at the seat, was supposed to be cleared on Saturday afternoon.

IEBC expects the KPMG audit report on voter register this week before it gazettes the lists of voters to participate in the election.

This will determine the exact number of ballot papers to be printed.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has formed a three-judge bench of Justice David Majanja (presiding), Chacha Mwita and Mugure Thande.

In the consolidated case which starts Monday, a group activists and advocates want all politicians with cases in court barred.

Activist Okiya Omtata, in his case, wants the court to declare that IEBC has powers to stop those that do not satisfy moral and ethical requirements arguing presumption of innocence until proven guilty should not apply to the politicians' cases.

Inform P Lykos has been contracted by the commission to supply the ballot papers, register of voters and election declaration forms for use in the election.

The ballot materials include that of the presidential, gubernatorial, senatorial and woman representative, parliamentary and ward representative.

The Greek firm which won the tender after beating other 14 firms that participated in the tendering process late last year also offers digital and security printing, enterprise communication management and distribution solutions.

On Monday, the commission will conclude the registration of candidates for various seats across country.

The list of candidates in each of the ballot papers will, however, depend on the number of those cleared.

Addressing the press at the Bomas of Kenya on Saturday, Chebukati said they are going to issue a “comprehensive statement” on persons disqualified for not resigning by February 9 as required by the law.

A total of 166 aspirants are being pursued for this breach by the electoral in a report by the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission.

They include one presidential aspirant, governor(40), woman rep(17), MP(39) and MCA(69).

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko who expressed interest for the Mombasa seat has had his fate sealed by the commission.

“The commission’s position is that Article 75 of the Constitution is self-speaking and self-executing,” Chebukati said.

“Therefore, the three aspirants who have been removed from office through impeachment are disqualified from contesting in the election.”

(Edited by Tabnacha O)