10-Point Demands Of Angaza Movement To IEBC

Kenyans have been treated to news of alleged breaches in the electoral systems affecting voters’ data, lack of enforcement of the leadership and integrity threshold, and uncertainty of technology to be used in the upcoming Elections.

With only 65 days to the General Elections, members of The Angaza Movement, remain concerned by the lack of clarity and uncertainty of the electoral process and like many Kenyans, worry that this situation is likely to give rise to perceptions of impartiality and may lead to an increase in tensions and even violence.

With almost 5 years to prepare for the 2022 elections, it looks like the IEBC has once more been caught napping creating fears that all may not be well at the institutions given the power to protect citizens’ democratic and political right of participation, further undermining the integrity of our Elections.

As a country we know too well the human cost of mismanaged elections hence there is a need for prompt action to ensure that our election standards are according to our Constitution and that our laws can withstand any security risk.

Angaza Movement, therefore, demands clear communication from the IEBC on the status of:

Electoral Technology: IEBC needs to confirm to Kenyans and allay any fears that this election will be managed using technology and that it will not fail. The increase in the number of registered voters and polling stations means that thousands of KIEMS kits must be configured, equipped with SIM cards, and tested way before August 9. As challenging as is, IEBC must give Kenyans a guarantee by informing us of the steps that they intend to take to make this happen.

Procurement of Election Equipment: Following the cancellation of the election’s equipment tender based on the integrity questions raised about the procurement process and capacity of the identified supplier, there is a need to inform Kenyans about the Procurement process.

Unauthorized Entry into Elections Technology Systems: The recent IEBC Chairperson’s public comments on the transfer of voters in the Voters’ Register expose a serious security threat to the safety of voters’ The recent statement about one million missing voters needs to be clarified, due to the potential narrative of perceived rigging and how is it possible that unauthorized persons are still able to change, delete and amend voters: records without any trace whatsoever.

The Elections Calendar: With 65 days to the elections, we still have scant details on different election critical events. The IEBC must share with Kenyans a clear road map of the remaining activities given that there are multiple critical processes that are occurring simultaneously, including the “cleaning up” of the voter register while voters verify their status, and an audit of the register, and submission of candidate’s papers and integrity checks.

Polling Stations: Polling stations have yet to be gazetted, we are clearly worried that time is running out as all these polling stations must be kitted with KIEMS and have the ability to transmit election results electronically.

Voter’s Register: A definitive and verifiable voter register is the basis of an accountable election. A perception by Kenyans of a flawed voter register will only damage the election Moreover, verification of the register is more than voters checking their credentials by SMS; this approach is not inclusive enough. The Voters’ register in its entirety and the process of registration must be open to public scrutiny in a timely manner.

Election Management Coordination: All Election Management bodies must coordinate their actions. Leaders of these institutions must remain impartial. The reckless statements being made by some of the representatives of these institutions do not serve the country well and only erode the public. We expect IEBC to show some leadership and courage by demanding impartiality from all state officers and their agents.

Voter Apathy: There is a need to enhance voter education to deal with the high voter 1.5 million newly registered voters out of 6 million eligible, which can be considered as a lack of confidence in Kenya’s electoral structure. We are afraid that many Kenyan voters will not vote in the upcoming elections due to apathy. IEBC’s Commitment to transparency and accountability would help build public trust in its capacity to conduct a free and fair election.

Independence of the IEBC: The Kenyan public’s faith in IEBC is at an all-time low due to multiple reports about its lack of independence and reported conflicts of interests at the executive and administrative levels. The only way for Kenyans to have a credible election begins with a Commission that is independent and impartial, embodying the principles laid out.

Results Transmission: It remains unclear about the status of the 4G network coverage at polling stations, yet the law is clear about voter transmission at polling IEBC must allay any fears about the system of transmission that will be used.

The Angaza Movement shall continue to assess and evaluate our Election preparedness and make sure the Commission is aware of any emerging concerns that may lead to voter disenfranchisement.

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