European Union Observer Mission Mounts Pressure on NASA, Jubilee to Drop Demands on IEBC

The European Union electoral observation mission (EU EOM) has warned the two leading political factions, Jubilee and National Super Alliance that their various push for electoral reforms could hinder Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ability to conduct a free and fair repeat presidential election.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the observers called on the two camps to drop the demands and embrace talks in order to solve the impasse surrounding the fresh poll.

The EU mission castigated Jubilee’s move to make amendments on election as well as Nasa’s push for removal of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials and other demands, saying that they risk incapacitating the electoral commission.

“Undue demands that cannot be met by IEBC, place an extra ordinary burden on the institution and escalate tension,” EU EOM said in a statement signed by mission head Marietje Schaake. “Undue demands that cannot be met by IEBC, place an extra ordinary burden on the institution and escalate tension.”

The observers urged the two parties to focus on what is urgent and issues that can realistically be achieved ahead of the repeat election.

“If passed, the changes would likely be subject to legal challenge, including on constitutional grounds, resulting in further uncertainty in the electoral process,".

"Changes to the electoral law would also hinder the on-going work of the IEBC in preparing elections in an already limited time frame.” The mission, which was monitored the August 8 General Election said.

It added that political leaders have a duty to respect the law and constitution by ensuring that people’s rights are honored.

“The EU EOM, therefore, suggests that, for the sake of consistency with recognized good practice and for the smooth running of the current electoral process, the proposed legal reforms be tabled after this month’s repeat poll,” said the mission.