“We acknowledge that the Constitution provides for a clear procedure on removing the commissioners, but there is nothing unconstitutional in holding dialogue on the issue”/CFM NEWS
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 5 – The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has voiced its support for national dialogue following the ongoing Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) stalemate.
Professor Abdulghafar Busaidy, a member of ELOG has however advised that the talks should also include other stakeholders and not just the government and the Opposition.
According to Busaidy, the stakeholders include “the civil society organisations, faith based organisations, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), the Law Society of Kenya, ELOG, IEBC and other political parties.”
The body joins the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and the National Council of Elders among others in calling for dialogue on the matter.
“We acknowledge that the Constitution provides for a clear procedure on removing the commissioners, but there is nothing unconstitutional in holding dialogue on the issue.”
The group has also condemned the use of force and violence by the security services during the weekly demonstrations in the vicinity of IEBC offices in Nairobi and other places around the country.
According to ELOG group member Jephtah Gathaka, the violence shown during the past IEBC demonstrations were inhuman and inconsiderate.
Gathaka therefore urged the police to exercise restraint during the demonstrations and protect rights and free speech as guaranteed by the Constitution.
“The deaths and injuries of the citizens that have taken place during the demonstrations were tragic and unnecessary because demonstrating is allowed by the constitution,” he said.
The sentiments by ELOG follow Raila Odinga’s announcement that the demonstration will resume Monday after calls for dialogue with the Jubilee coalition hit a snag.
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