Editor's Review

“The Mission observed that IEBC officials conducted their mandate in a transparent, independent, and impartial manner."

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been recognised by African Ombudsman and Mediators’ Association (AOMA) for their handling of the country’s general election on August 8, 202 stated

In its election monitoring report, AOMA noted that the IEBC carried out its duties in a transparent, independent, and impartial manner, without bias for any side.

“The Mission observed that IEBC officials conducted their mandate in a transparent, independent, and impartial manner. Accredited Agents and Observers were granted access to the polling stations and tallying centres,” the report stated.

AOMA also acknowledged that the counting of the votes was done in a transparent manner.

IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati and a team of his commissioners. PHOTO | COURTESY

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The association noted that all stakeholders; political party agents, media, and observers were represented in the counting process.

The report also indicated that the IEBC was well prepared in the distribution of polling materials, and preparation of polling and tallying centres.

“The Mission took cognizance of the best practices that AOMA member countries could borrow from the Kenya 2022 general election process including the use of KIEMS kit technology in voter identification; the preparedness of the IEBC despite handling a large number of voters and six elections running concurrently; as well as stakeholder engagements by the IEBC,” AOMA said.

“The mission also observed that some candidates conceded defeat and sent congratulatory messages to their competitors after the declaration of the results. Some dissatisfied aspirants chose to use the constitutional post-elections dispute mechanisms and appealed to their supporters to maintain peace.” 

The only flaws captured in the AOMA report are the logistical ones which led to the postponement of gubernatorial elections in Kakamega and Mombasa Counties, as well as MP elections in Kacheliba, Pokot South, Kitui Rural and Rongai constituencies.