by Chrispinus Omar
NAIROBI, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's electoral body on Friday released its timelines for next month's presidential re-run as it races against time to avoid mistakes that lead to the bungled general elections held on Aug. 8.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati said the activities to be undertaken ahead of the Oct. 17 fresh presidential elections include certification of the voters' register, upgraded technology for elections, recruitment, revised elections results framework, training and deployment of staff, voter education and election day operations.
"A draft budget has been presented to the Treasury for consideration. We expect expeditious allocation of funds," Chebukati said in a statement issued after a five-hour crisis meeting in Nairobi.
He said the funds will allow the electoral agency to implement key tasks ahead, especially those related to ICT and training.
The poll commission had been rocked by infighting among its officials, threatening to jeopardize preparation for next month's polls.
Officials at the poll's body are divided into two groups, one supporting changes following Aug. 8 bungled polls and the other rooting for status quo.
A leaked memo from the chairman demanding answers from the chief executive over the ruined election widened fallout at the commission expected to spearhead the Oct. 17 polls.
Chebukati said the political parties did not coordinate the deployment of their agents and there were none in some locations, an issue he said contributed to the irregularities in the bungled Aug. 8 polls.
He urged the candidates to ensure their agents are well versed with technology to be used and finalize the list of the agents for the polling stations, constituency and the national tallying centre and submit the same to the respective offices before Oct. 3.
"It is crucial for candidates to deploy experienced and committed agents to all parts of the country to enhance accountability and transparency during the electoral process," Chebukati said.
The IEBC chairman said the commission plans to engage with stakeholders on a continuous basis to ensure that Kenyan voters are informed and involved in all preparations for the elections.
Campaigns for the fresh presidential election between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his main rival, Raila Odinga, officially began on Sept. 6 and will end on Oct. 15.
