IEBC Extends Deadline for Running Mate Selection

Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has extended the deadline for selection of presidential running mates from today until May 16.

The decision comes after newly formed Azimio La Umoja One Kenya party coalition protested the previous April 28 running mate deadline, prompting the response from IEBC. Resistance from the Azimio coalition is just one example of recent political in-fighting in Kenya, following inflammatory accusations between candidates leading up to the August 9 elections.

Political disputes, specifically related to elections, carry a sense of foreboding in Kenya due to the horrific post-election violence that ensued after the 2007 presidential race. Since, the safety of political figures has continued to be a challenge, with kidnappings, assault, and assassination of politicians as consistent threats.

With presidential elections on the horizon, political spats between electoral commission and candidates, as well as other political figures, could increase the likelihood of electoral violence, especially with violent crimes already on the rise. Expect authorities to heighten security across the country in the coming months, especially as Kenya inches closer to its presidential elections.