African Electoral Observation Group (AEOG), which has 489 long-term observers countrywide, said on Sunday that the outcome of the elections may be contested on the political front solely on the number of voters who turn up at the ballot.
In its preliminary report released Sunday, AEOG said despite attacks on the IEBC, their observation was that preparations for elections continue smoothly, except Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Siaya counties.
A poll observer mission has predicted that a constitutional crisis will ensue should majority of registered Kenyan voters fail to show up at the ballot on Thursday.
African Electoral Observation Group (AEOG), which has 489 long-term observers countrywide, said on Sunday that the outcome of the elections may be contested on the political front solely on the number of voters who turn up at the ballot.
“It is very likely that in the event a majority of the 19 million registered voters do not show up, a losing candidate may claim ‘negative’ victory,” said AEOG lead researcher Martin Nkari.
Raila Odinga, the opposition National Super Alliance (Nasa) presidential candidate, withdrew from the race, citing an unreformed electoral body that does not guarantee free, fair and credible elections.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been under immense pressure from Nasa to reform its structures ahead of the repeat presidential poll.
The calls have been characterised by street demos, which have been a nightmare for the business community.
In its preliminary report released Sunday, AEOG said despite attacks on the IEBC, their observation was that preparations for elections continue smoothly, except Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Siaya counties.
The report, dubbed ‘‘26th October Election; Kenya’s Irreducible Minimum’’, notes that the IEBC itself remains blameless in the situation and is pushing on despite the challenges.
“October 26th remains the only irreducible minimum for Kenya. The IEBC remains ready and capable of holding a free, fair and credible election,” an excerpt from the report reads.
This seems to contradict recent views expressed by IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati that under the current conditions and with a divided commission, he cannot guarantee the credibility of the repeat presidential election.
The commission is battling with political interference from both Nasa and Jubilee Party. One of its commissioners, Roselyn Akombe, resigned last week and fled the country.
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Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.
