Written by Carolyn Wamalwa 2012-07-12 15:09:00 Read 1424 Times

The IEBC Chairman Isaac Hassan and the Justice and Constituional Affairs minister Eugene Wamalwa during the launch of the commission's brand identity at a Nairobi Hotel [PHOTOS | Carolyne Wamalwa | West Fm]

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission- IEBC Thursday launched its brand identity to mark a transition from its previous outfit the Interim Independent Electoral Commission.

Chairman Isaac Hassan said, “We are going to have a new paradigm shift and a curvy change. Today marks a fresh start on how we see ourselves and how Kenyans see us. We integrate our values of independence, team work, innovativeness, professionalism, integrity, accountability and respect for the rule of law, before you is a solid IEBC identity represented by the logo. 

Subsequently, Isaac expressed his joy over the Monday court ruling over the boundary delimitation dispute and added that the move will pave way for crucial activities towards the realization of a conclusive electoral process including voter registration and education.

“We are here today to give a visible identity to our mandate. We are going to give Kenyans a symbol that they will always associate with free, fair and peaceful elections…with the support of all of you, the government and development partners, we have been able to introduce electoral reforms that have indeed profiled us…The commission is happy with conclusion of the boundary delimitation process, this is a key mandate that we were given only four months to deliver. The ruling will now pave way for mapping of polling stations, voter registration and voter education,” he added.

Hassan further revealed that the commission will work on a lean budget given the funds that were allocated to them by treasury will be used effectively to ensure a credible electoral process without compromising the values that the commission stands for.

Isaac added that the commission plans to embrace the information communication technology comprehensively, which will see the use of technology in the management of elections.

Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa who graced the occasion lauded the transition and termed the IEBC as a credible body whose demeanor had restored the electoral confidence in the institution chanced with responsibility to conduct an election process.

The minister also praised the recent court ruling over the boundaries cases, adding that the move will put on course the pending pre election processes as the country gears towards the first general elections under the new constitution.

Wamalwa added that IEBC should take advantage of the trust that the public has put in it to deliver peaceful, free and fair elections and urged politicians to prepare their supporters for either outcome during the general elections and to embrace diplomatic means rather than violence when resolving disputes.

He further pledged his ministry’s support to the IEBC and urged politicians and Kenyans in general to display issue based politics that would not vilify key institutions such as the electoral body.

Wamalwa revealed that come February next year, crucial reforms including police reforms as well as the process of vetting judges will be complete, leading to a revamped judicial system which will be quipped to resolve all disputes arising from the March 2012 general elections.

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