Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) received a list of 11,309 candidates seeking to vie in the August elections on the Candidate Management System (CRMS) by May 14, the date set as deadline for submission of names.
However, the number of candidates is expected to grow as the Commission was still compiling the list while some names are awaiting clearance that from the political parties tribunal.
The number did not also include the over 4,000 running as independent candidates. Similarly in some regions, parties are still to submit their final list owing to a repeat nomination called to get a clear winner
Political parties uploading lists were to also upload the candidates’ photos in addition to submitting names of running mates of those contesting for Governors’ position.
Preliminary data showed that by May 14, IEBC had electronically received names of 8 candidates running for the Presidential position.
Other than NASA flag bearer, Raila Odinga 16 other candidates last week declared their interest to replace President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Those running with political parties include Nyamira Senator Kennedy Mong’are (National Liberal Party), Peter Ondeng (Restore and Build Kenya Party), Ekuru Aukot (Thirdway Alliance Party) and Cyrus Jirongo (UDP Party).
Those vying as independent candidates include Nixon Kukubo, former Co-operatives minister Joe Nyagah, David Munga, Robert Mukwana Juma and Joseph Ngacha, Japheth Kavinga, Joseph Musyoka and Erastus Nyamera.
At the same time, 180 names had been submitted for those interested to run for Governors’ position, 258 for Senatorial position, 260 for Women Representatives and 1,470 and 9,133 for Members of the National Assembly and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) respectively.
Although most of the parties were able to meet the deadline set by IEBC, those who did not will have to argue out their case and convince the Commission individually.
Once this is over and done with, the Commission is expected to start clearing candidates who will vie in the August polls.
The Commission had to extend the submission date for list of candidates by political parties from May 10 to May 14 citing 210 disputes that were pending at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.
Over 35 political part leaders and chairperson yesterday met with the Commission to deliberate on election preparation.
IEBC announced last week that all Presidential candidates should submit the list of 2,000 supporters from majority counties both on soft and hard copy, which is in line with Regulation 18 of Election (General) 2012. They are similarly expected to submit the list of their supporters from May 18 to 22 at the Commission headquarters.
It will them meet with aspirants on May 23 for a pre-nomination meeting at their respective electoral areas and Nairobi for Presidential.
Consequently, presidential candidates are to submit their nomination papers for clearance to the Commission at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) between May 28-29.
County Assembly Ward Representatives and National Assembly position for Independent candidates and political party aspirants have to submit their nomination papers for clearance to the Commission’s Returning officers at the Constituency level between June 1-2.
Senate, Gubernatorial and Women Representatives, independent candidates and political party aspirants have to submit their nomination papers for clearance at the county level between May 28-June 2.
And in line with Article 88 of the Constitution, the Commission will then register qualified candidates for election and indicate those disqualified while disputes arising from this process will be determined within 10 days of lodging.