The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed that the next General Election on August 9, 2022.
IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati reiterated the Commission’s commitment towards delivering a free, fair, transparent and credible 2022 General Election.
“Let me take this earliest opportune moment to reiterate the Commission’s commitment towards delivering free, fair, transparent, and credible 2022 General Election. The commission equally remains committed to engaging stakeholders as part of its open-door policy to foster citizen participation in the electoral process,” he said.
He highlighted some of the issues that are subject of national discourse and have a bearing to the upcoming elections including the two-thirds gender rule, transmission and management of election results as well as election offences and code of conduct.
Chebukati said the political parties’ nomination lists for elective positions in the Senate and National Assembly must comply with the two-third gender rule before they are accepted by the Commission for candidates’ registration.
“To ensure transparency in the results management process, the Commission shall allow accredited media access to polling stations and tallying centres to cover the vote counting, announcement, collation and declaration of results,” said the IEBC Chairman.
Chebukati dismissed reports on the possibility to postpone the 2022 general elections.
“I have seen reports of plans to delay the general elections. IEBC for a fact does not react to opinions from organizations or individuals,” he noted.
The election date comes as referendum fate is unknown even though the Appellate Court has not ruled on the legitimacy of the initiative.
Last month, the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) co-chair Junet Mohammed said they expect the commission to be on standby.
“If the Court of Appeal clears the Bill, IEBC has to prepare for a referendum. We don’t want to hear stories that they cannot conduct a referendum and a general election,” he said.
He said in case the court rules in favour of BBI opponents, they expect President Uhuru Kenyatta to assent to the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for onward submission to IEBC.
