The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Wafula Chebukati was speaking today Thursday, when the commission held an engagement forum with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Mkenya Daima and other stakeholders to brief them on the General election 2022 preparedness, the voting process, counting and result management process.
“The Commission is independent and its fidelity will always be hinged to the law and not to an individual or authority. You may be unhappy with us but we will always follow the law.”
He stated that the Commission is now printing ballot papers, and is set to receive the first batch of ballot papers at JKIA later today. According the the commission, the total number of ballot to be printed will be 22,120,458 which is the number of voters in all the six elective seats.
“We can’t have 100 percent voter turnout. Any spoilt vote can be accommodated within that number. No extra ballot papers will be printed. We have told some of our stakeholders to travel to Greece to witness the printing of the Presidential ballot papers,” Wafula Chebukati said adding that, “I urge candidates and political parties to send their agents to each polling station where voting will be done, votes counted and results announced. Agents should have copy of the result forms and take a photo.Results announced at polling station are final”
On their part, the KEPSA Chairperson Flora Mutahi reiterated their support and assured the public that Kenya will have a peaceful election. “The private sector is ready to support the election process to ensure IEBC deliver a free, fair and credible election,” she said.
Dr. Vimal Shah,who is the chairperson of Mkenya Daima said he is praying for peaceful election that will not only strengthen the gains made but ensure there is continuity of business development in the country. “The election will be a small speed bump and we don’t anticipate any serious problems. Let all Kenyans come out to elect leaders with integrity at all levels to enhance good governance and leadership because we want accountability that will instil hope in the public.” Dr. Vimal Shah.Wafula Chebukati assured the private sector players that the commission has prepared for this election better than before and that they will have a transparent process to give Kenya a free and fair election.
The Commission has confirmed their decision on having the four presidential candidates contest in the August polls, maintaining that the commission shall not bow to pressure from anyone provided that what they do is guided by law.
