#IEBC ON VOTER REGISTRATION – The Commission issued a statement on 23rd July 2012, in which it informed Kenyans that due to inhibiting time constraints and procurement challenges, it resorted to the use of OMR (Optical Mark Reader) for registration of voters.
This elicited widespread disapproval by Kenyans including all levels of political leadership, Parliament, the Executive and Civil Society. In response the Commission made widespread consultations on this matter.
These consultations culminated in today’s meeting with the two Principals and attended by the Vice President, several Cabinet Ministers, The Attorney General, the Chairman of CIOC, Mr. Mohamed Abdikadir, and high level civil servants.
In the meeting, the Commission emphasized that its preferred option for registration has always been Biometric Voter Registration (BVR). However, the acquisition of BVR kits was frustrated by cumbersome procurement laws and procedures, political and vendor rivalry etc. In addition, the Elections Act, imposed strict timelines for the closure of the registration process, that is, 90 days before the election date (4th December, 2012).
After lengthy deliberations, the Commission requested that the BVR be procured through a Government to Government arrangement. We are glad to inform Kenyans that the Government has accepted the Commission’s request and has committed to procure and deliver the kits on time for the exercise.
The Government has also agreed to initiate amendments with the Elections Act to reduce the period for closure of the register from 90 days to 45 days. This will allow more time for voter registration.
We assure Kenyans that with the above arrangements, the Commission will deliver on BVR registration, as part of its commitment to deliver transparent, credible, free and fair General Elections.
AHMED ISSACK HASSAN
CHAIRPERSON
