Kenyan Vote Body to Meet Presidential Candidates Over Impasse

NAIROBI (Capital Markets in Africa) – Kenya’s electoral commission plans to hold talks with the candidates for this month’s presidential-election rerun as it attempts to resolve an impasse over how the vote will be handled.

“We look forward to meeting with the presidential candidates today,” the Independent Electoral & Boundaries Commission said in a statement Tuesday on its Twitter account. “We hope to create a common understanding” on the October 26 election.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s opposition National Super Alliance quit talks with the IEBC and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party on Sept. 28 because of proposals by the ruling party to change the country’s electoral laws. A commission official said the revisions, which include altering the way staff are appointed and make decisions, would strip the body of its independence.

Kenya’s Supreme Court nullified the Aug. 8 election after finding the electoral authority committed “irregularities and illegalities.” Odinga has demanded changes be made to the IEBC’s staff and systems, a move opposed by Kenyatta, who was declared the winner of the vote.

IEBC spokesman Andrew Limo didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment sent by mobile-phone text message.

Source: Bloomberg Business ‘News