Government Gives Reasons Behind Delay in Reconstitution of IEBC

Without commissioners, IEBC cannot legally undertake various primary duties such as conducting elections, referendums and by-elections.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has explained the delays that have been witnessed in the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In a statement dated Friday, November 15, Mwaura attributed the delays to the replacement of a member of the selection panel.

According to the government, Azimio la Umoja replaced its nominee to the selection panel, hence the delays in Ruto officially appointing the panel.

“The reconstitution of the IEBC has however been in limbo due to the replacement of Augustine Muli with Koki Muli by the Azimio la Umoja Coalition party, which resulted in a tribunal order restraining parliament from submitting names to His Excellency the President for appointment of members to the selection panel,” read the statement in part.

ADVERTISEMENT

On the other hand, the government reiterated that the Head of State would appoint the selection panel once the names of nominees are submitted to him by Parliament.

IEBC currently operates with the secretariat given that four commissioners ( Cherera 4) exited the Commission following the dispute in the 2022 election results.

Therefore, without commissioners, IEBC cannot legally undertake various primary duties such as conducting elections, referendums and by-elections.

“The government is committed to having a functional electoral body to ensure that the IEBC undertakes its mandate including pending by-elections.,” Mwaura added.

“The President is ready and willing to appoint the selection panel once the submission by parliament is made.”

Source: NMG