Economy

Envoys wade into IEBC ouster debate with dialogue call

godec

US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec. PHOTO | FILE

Eleven Nairobi-based envoys have called for dialogue over the Opposition’s demand for replacement of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to cool political temperatures ahead of next year’s polls.

The diplomats in a statement released Wednesday also said the IEBC and the Judiciary should be adequately funded to enable them carry out their mandate effectively.

“Kenya’s leaders and citizens must come together through dialogue to build confidence in the electoral system which will ensure a credible, peaceful poll in 2017,” said the statement.

The foreign government representatives offered to assist in restoring public confidence in the electoral commission which has been hit by repeated claims of bias against the Opposition.

“Voters must have confidence that institutions such as the IEBC and the Judiciary are impartial, efficient, and operate in accordance with the law. Everyone must reject rhetoric or actions that incite violence,” the statement added.

The terse statement was signed by the foreign governments’ representatives among them the US’s Robert Godec, UK’s Nic Hailey, Jutta Frasch (Germany), David Angell (Canada), Ralf Heckner(Switzerland),Johan Borgstam(Sweden),Mette Knudsen(Denmark),Victor Ronneberg(Norway),TarjaFernández(Finland),John Feakes(Australia) and Netherlands’ Frans Makken.

“Kenya’s politicians and citizens have a responsibility to build trust in the democratic system and to find ways to ensure the electoral and judicial institutions are strong and effective. With the political competition already underway, this is the time for all Kenyans to consider what steps to take to ensure these elections are free, fair, and peaceful,” said the statement.

They added that while the responsibility of ensuring fair polls first rests with elected and appointed officials, every Kenyan had a duty to build IEBC’s credibility.

“Decisions on questions such as the future of the IEBC’s leadership must be broadly acceptable, achieved through dialogue, and made in accord with Kenya’s Constitution and laws,” they said.

The diplomats said that while they would provide funds for technical assistance, civic education and conflict mitigation, it was crucial for the government, Opposition and every citizen to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.

The statement comes barely days after the Opposition coalition held a series of mass demonstrations to push for the ouster of IEBC commissioners.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has also claimed that the IEBC commissioners had been promised top jobs once President Uhuru Kenyatta wins the next polls.