Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) says it may be forced to suspend elections in at least 31 areas with pending court cases on the clearance of some candidates.
Speaking on Saturday, IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati said the cases may delay the printing of ballot papers which may affect the commission’s bid to meet some of its key electoral timelines in preparations for the August 9th general elections.
“I want to urge the Judiciary to finalize them (court cases). If for any reason they are not finalized in good time, then as a Commission we cannot wait forever. We shall be forced to suspend elections in those areas where decisions affect the printing of ballot papers,” Chebukati stated.
The cases include petitions challenging the candidatures of Nairobi and Mombasa governor candidates Johnson Sakaja and Mike Sonko, who are vying on UDA and Wiper party tickets respectively.
Inform P Lykos SA, the Greek company awarded the tender to print election materials for the forthcoming elections, has already started printing ballot papers, with the IEBC receiving the first batch of ballot papers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday. The commission has announced plans to print the ballot papers for the presidential race starting July 15th.
Under the Sh3.49 billion tender, the Greek company is expected to print and ship at least 120 million ballot papers, registration of voters, and election declaration forms, among other items, ahead of the August 9th elections.
Well shebukati, you have had…
Well shebukati, you have had 5 good years to get things ironed out since the election that botched. You should talk to your judicial folks to get this little problem resolved immediately. Ati you will not let Kenyans vote. Are you crazy Mr Shebukati??