The Alliance for Real Change presidential candidate Abduba Dida will only participate in repeat polls if IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba steps aside.
Dida said he will engage IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati and only then will he tell Kenyans if he will participate in the October 26 repeat polls.
“I will not withdraw but my participation depends on whether the commission is willing to address issues raised for a credible election,” said Dida on Thursday according to the Star.
He said Chebukati called him to confirm if he will participate in the polls.
He opined it is impossible to expect free, fair and credible repeat polls from IEBC if the elections will be conducted by the same people who bungled the August 8 polls.
NASA has been demanding for the resignation of Chiloba. But He [Chiloba] has remained adamant.
Opposition led by Raila Odinga also wants 9 other IEBC officials out of office on similar allegations.
Dida, in a similar tone, seemed to amplify NASA’s stand that the officials should leave the commission.
“Those in charge of logistics, legal and IT departments must step aside with half salary and let investigations be conducted. If they are innocent they will resume but if guilty let them face the law,” noted Dida.
He proposed that the IEBC “contacts retired military personnel and former UN officers” because they have no political linings to take charge of the repeat polls.”
He insisted that if repeat polls are conducted without addressing stakeholders’ concerns on the commission; Kenyans can expect bad results and another round of court battle.
“All the changes that have been proposed can be implemented within the remaining time before the election. The problem with IEBC [officials] is that they are doing things under the blanket and expecting everyone to believe their narrative.”
Commenting on Raila’s withdrawal, Dida said he [Raila] is a clever politician.
“Raila has not submitted form 24A which is the official withdrawal document. But he is a clever man,” said the Alliance for Real Change Presidential candidate.