The CORD coalition has issued new demands to the Government after rejecting the list of Jubilee committee members fronted for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) dialogue.
In a Thursday statement, the Opposition cast doubt on the Government’s commitment to the talks stating that an open committee would not provide a conducive environment for serious dialogue.
“In applying Standing Orders, it will mean that the Committee will be a market place as opposed to the serious business it is supposed to transact. Thus the committee will be open to committee members and non-members who may storm in in the guise of friends of the Committee. Nothing will be discussed,” a statement posted by ODM Communication Director Phillip Etale read in part.
CORD noted that its list of nominees was final and would not be taken through the National Assembly for approval.
The coalition further indicated that it would not accept more than a seven-member team from both sides in resolving the electoral body’s stalemate.
In the statement, the Opposition also demanded the inclusion of ‘two joint secretaries from each side who must not be Parliamentarians or non-parliamentary staff’.
The Coalition insisted on structured deliberations outside parliament highlighting: “That is when CORD will believe that Jubilee is serious and committed to the talks”.
Earlier in the day, the Opposition was in a closed-door meeting with religious leaders to negotiate on the way forward regarding the IEBC stalemate.
CORD wants the electoral body reconstituted arguing that it cannot be trusted with managing the next General Election.
