Evangelical

Alliance of Kenya

CONCLUDE URGENT REFORMS TO ASSURE KENYANS OF A CREDIBLE ELECTION

PRESS STATEMENT
A. Preamble:
Religious leaders drawn from different faiths and members of the civil society, Women, Youth, trade unions
and People With Disability and other stakeholders, have met here at Ufungamano House under the auspices
of the Multi-Sectoral Forum on electoral reforms over the last two days. During the meeting, the Forum
specifically reflected on the ongoing debate on electoral reforms and was guided by the following objectives:
To create a platform for dialogue and participation by non- state actors in electoral reforms
To consolidate and advance a national electoral reform agenda for Kenya
To undertake oversight so as to ensure accountability of the Parliamentary Reform Initiative
To promote peace and national cohesion for peaceful and credible 2017 General Elections
Having considered this matter, we wish to share the following message:
B. Message to Parliamentary Committees
This Forum appreciates and recognizes the mandate bestowed on both the Justice and legal Affairs
Committee (JLAC) and the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee (JPSC) as regards resolving the issues
touching on the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). We note with concern that the
sibling rivalry between the two committees is not in the interest of the nation and could derail the process of
ensuring that Kenya has a credible body that will manage the next elections. It is in this view that we appeal
to the two committees to be magnanimous enough and let reason prevail in resolving issues around electoral
reforms. This can be achieved through dialogue and a meeting of both committees, maybe presided over by
the leaders of majority and minority, or speakers of both houses.
On our part, we look forward to meeting with JLAC with a view of urging for an amicable and urgent resolution
of all issues arising around their mandate on IEBC reforms in readiness for the next general elections.
C. Memoranda and Draft Bills on IEBC
This Forum has taken note of the fact that the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee has began receiving
views from Kenyans on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) reforms. We further
urge the committee to carry out their mandate with the urgency it deserves. This process must be devoid of
any political theatrics and drama.
On our part we undertake to conduct our civic duty diligently and provide the support needed by the
committee to execute its mandate expeditiously. In this regard, MSF will submit a memorandum and draft
bills to the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee, in keeping with the four thematic areas as proposed by the
Committee. Our memorandum and bills shall carry proposals of which we highlight the following:

Undertake transition of the current commission based on the credibility of commissioners through a
negotiated formula and an appointment of a new commission
The political class should not use the current debate on the IEBC as an excuse to tamper with the
date of the next elections
Build strong institutions and trust in the electoral system so that the outcome of elections is
acceptable to all
Result transmissions technology should be procured by January 2017 and tested to provide more
time for effective preparedness
On our part as the Multi Sectoral Forum, we commit to:
Undertake urgent advocacy around accountability and transparency of the management of elections
and demand that the principle electoral register is availed as stipulated by the IEBC Act
Build internal capacity to conduct research, documentation and learning on elections management
and technology
MSF using their respective institutional forums commit to undertake civic, peace and voter education
to sensitize the electorate on their civic duty
Facilitate introduction of debates at the local level to determine credibility and transparency of
political leaders
Advocate for implementation of Chapter 6 of the Constitution that goes beyond the wealth
declaration forms
Advocate for probing and accountability of IEBC Secretariat mid-level staff at the constituency level
Promote the observation and implementation of electoral laws in Kenya

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we urge all Kenyans to actively participate in the process. We further call upon Kenyans
to continue praying for speedy and peaceful conclusion of the process.
Signed on this 20th day of July 2016 at Ufungamano House by: