Kenyan Presidential aspirants were at the behest of Kenya’s electoral body (IEBC) yesterday, ahead of the official opening of the campaign period on May 29, 2022.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati held deliberations with the aspirants in the capital, Nairobi, where he outlined the requirements needed for one to be cleared to vie in the August poll.
The IEBC said the meeting was necessitated to clarify legal requirements for candidate registration, enable aspirants to get familiar with the registration process and requirements and promote commitment to objective, impartial, efficient, accurate, accountable, safe and secure candidate registration.
At least 55 people have submitted their names to the Commission to contest the August 9 presidential election, including Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The two are considered to be the early frontrunners in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is barred by the Constitution from seeking another term. Also present was Wiper Party presidential candidate Kalonzo Musyoka’s running mate Andrew Sunkuli and secretary general Shakila Abdalla.
The presidential aspirants have been asked to present their nomination papers from May 29 to June 6.
In a related event, Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Jean Mensa, was part of a team of election experts on a mission to Nairobi, Kenya, for the East African country’s pre-election assessment preparedness last week.
The mission was led by the International Republican Institute (IRI), internationally reputed democracy enhancement entities and representatives of the National Democratic Institute (NDI).
The Ghanaian election management experience vis a vis international best practices were shared by Ms. Jean Mensa for the benefit of her hosts.
Members of the delegation include James Lahai, the National Coordinator of the National Election Watch (Sierra Leone); Nicole Rowell, Acting Vice President of the NDI (USA) and Yomi Jacobs, Resident Programme Director for the IRI in Kenya and Nigeria.