The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has indefinitely suspended its weekly demonstrations seeking removal of IEBC bosses from office/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 20 – The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has indefinitely suspended its weekly demonstrations seeking the removal from office of Commissioners at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), to pave way for talks with the Jubilee Alliance.
A statement signed by Siaya Senator James Orengo who is also a co-chair of the CORD coalition stated that the major sticking points regarding the electoral body have been resolved.
Orengo further pointed out that a bi-partisan motion to trigger off the process of dialogue is set to be tabled in Parliament this week.
“There are signs of a definitive white smoke above the political scene in reaching an agreement between CORD and Jubilee in respect of the IEBC issue and the electoral process,” he stated.
“The major sticking points have been resolved and it is fair to say that there is an overwhelming likelihood that a bi partisan motion to trigger off the process of dialogue and to establish a joint select committee of Parliament can be tabled early in the week.”
He indicated that CORD is looking forward to the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee with the full weight of the coalition and the Kenyan people behind it.
“In the circumstances, CORD is suspending until further notice all demonstrations against the IEBC in the light of this development,” he said.
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula stated that talks with the government is just an entry point to bring desired changes in the electoral process.
“We have decided today that the talks that we are going to be engaged in is not just to send IEBC home. They will be about change in the electoral process,” he stated.
On Sunday, Deputy President William Ruto assured Kenyans that the few sticky outstanding issues on IEBC will soon be sorted out to pave way for dialogue.
READ: Don’t worry; we shall reach an amicable resolution with CORD: DP Ruto
Ruto said he was optimistic that the few outstanding issues raised by the concerned parties will be resolved in the next few days to give room for dialogue in efforts to reform the electoral body.
Speaking at the Salvation Army Church, Turbo in Lugari Constituency, Kakamega County, where he attended a church service, the Deputy President told leaders to embrace dialogue in building bridges among all the country’s different ethnic communities.
He said the Jubilee administration was always been ready for dialogue on issues affecting the country with a view to solving them amicably.
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