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IEBC Commissioners ready to quit if Raila proves his claims – Hassan

While terming the claims as false, Hassan stated that the commission has been subjected to extreme injustices and falsehoods which have created a negative image against them/FILE

While terming the claims as false, Hassan stated that the commission has been subjected to extreme injustices and falsehoods which have created a negative image against them/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 5 – Commissioners at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) are ready to resign if CORD leader Raila Odinga proves they have been compromised by the Jubilee government, Chairman Issack Hassan says.

While terming the claims as false, Hassan stated that the commission has been subjected to extreme injustices and falsehoods which have created a negative image against them.

He blamed the CORD leadership of being behind the slander and dared Odinga to produce proof of such complicity.

“The CORD leader Right Honourable Raila Odinga has claimed publicly in media interviews that the commissioners have entered into an agreement with the Jubilee coalition and the President to rig the next election in return for jobs. This is not true,” he said.

He emphasised that the commission will continue to undertake its duties without fear or favour.

“We want to dare him to produce and publish any evidence today and we will resign immediately. This character assassination of public officials is not what we expect from our leaders,” he stated.

He was speaking during a press briefing where he declared they will not resign based on unsubstantiated claims but will continue to serve Kenyans.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the commissioners are not resigning. We will be setting a dangerous precedent if every time we disagree with a decision we seek the removal from office of those we do not agree with,” he stated.

He expressed the commission’s commitment to fulfil its constitutional mandate to give the country a flawless, free and credible election in 2017.

He further emphasised that the commission will continue engaging all stakeholders on the electoral process and called on the CORD leadership to approach the matter soberly rather than resorting to mass action.

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“The commission will continue to engage with all stakeholders and implement the election operation plan. We urge all parties, candidates and stakeholders who have issues to bring them to the commission. Indeed, most of the issues being raised are under active consideration and implementation by the commission at the very highest level,” he indicated.

Hassan also outlined steps being put in place to ensure credible polls, which include the restructuring of the whole IT department as part of wide ranging institutional reform and capacity building.

“A new data centre is being set up to insure against failure among other technology upgrades which will be tested for stress, readiness and resilience at least six months before elections,” he stated.

He called on leaders to desist from confusing the public with erroneous and alarmist statements.

“We welcome anyone to seek clarification on any aspect of the election preparations before going out to condemn the commission out of ignorance,” he said.

He further announced that the commission will be giving updates every month on the election preparations in line with its pledge to remain transparent and accountable.

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