The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Erastus Ethekon has warned candidates vying for various position in the by election against violating election code of conduct during the election.
The chairperson said candidates who perpetrate electoral malpractices during the Thursday by-election can still be disqualified after winning the elections.
“Elections in the country can be nullified by the court even if somebody win, we will table evidence to the court to show there were incidences of bribery. The court can give a determination on those issues,” he said
The chair said the role of IEBC was to facilitate the exercise and uphold the will of the peoples to elect the leaders of their choice
Speaking at DCC compound, Rachuonyo South Sub County headquarters in Kosele, during a tour to assess the level of preparedness on the ground for the by- election in Kasipul constituency, Ethekon said the electoral rules and regulations must be observed by all candidates from the beginning till the end of the election.
The chairperson said the IEBC will not hesitate to disqualify any candidate who perpetrates electoral offences at any time.
He said no candidate should think that they can commit an electoral offence and walk away with it because they are already on the ballot.
IEBC has the mechanism to act against any reported electoral malpractices, the election code of conduct and election enforcement committee is in place and it will remain active until we complete the election and until the candidates who win successfully is sworn in,” he said
The chairman warned candidates against complaining in social media when they come across issues which require attention of the IEBC.
He said any complaints which require their attention must be lodged formally to enable them to take appropriate action.
“I urge our candidates to shun the culture of complaining in social media and expect the IEBC to take action. Let all the complaints which require our attention be lodged officially,” the chairman said.
Ethekon assured candidates that the commission will move swiftly to take action against those complaints if filed appropriately saying they have put proper mechanisms in place to respond quickly to any complaint raised during the election.
“But you must have tangible evidence, you must give us all the necessary information so that that committee is able to summon those candidates, it doesn’t matter what time is left, we will have dealt with them,” IEBC chair said.
The chairman said the IEBC is ready to conduct all the by-elections in a credible manner.
“IEBC will conduct the exercise in a transparent manner. I urge voters to come out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights in ensuring that they choose the leaders they want,” he said
The IEBC chairperson said the county returning officers will supervise the elections in each county.
He said the commission has liaised with security teams in each county to ensure the elections run smoothly.
“Let nobody be worried of security because security officials have assured us of adequate security during the exercise,” Ethekon said.
by Moseti Julius
