IEBC cautions political parties, aspirants against early election campaigns

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cautioned political parties and politicians against engaging in early election campaigns outside the legally prescribed period.

This was announced in a notice that the commission issued on Friday.

The commission said it is cognisant of sustained campaigns by a section of political parties and aspirants engaging in campaigns that are sometimes marred with blatant acts of violence.

“The Commission has noted with concern sustained campaigns by some political parties and aspirants outside the legally prescribed period. Some of the campaigns have been characterized by blatant acts of violence,” read the statement.

The commission further stated that the early campaigns are undesirable and are likely to upset raise the political temperatures ahead of the general election.

“These early campaigns are undesirable and may upset the political environment in the lead up to the upcoming General Election,” the statement continued.

IEBC also said it has developed general election timelines that are under the Elections Operations Plan (EOP) with an outline of dates and days for each election activity.

The commission said that the commencement of the election period is marked by the publication of the Notice of the General Election and only within that time that Election Offences Act. 2016 and the Electoral Code of Conduct are enforceable.

“Notably, it is the publication of the Notice of the General Election that marks the commencement of the election period. Indeed. the Election Offences Act. 2016 and the Electoral Code of Conduct are enforceable only within the said election period,” the commission stated.

The commission requested all stakeholders in the electoral process to maintain a peaceful political environment conducive to secure and credible elections.