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In his first public address since his appointment, the new Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Erastus Edung Ethekon, has pledged his unwavering commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections, stating that his primary loyalty lies with the people of Kenya.
Speaking after his swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court, Ethekon acknowledged the immense responsibility of his new role, which places him at the helm of one of the nation's most critical democratic institutions.
"I'm deeply honoured and humbled to take on the role of Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission," he began, "an institution that is at the very heart of our democracy."
Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Erastus Edung Ethekon
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In his address, the new IEBC chair laid out his vision for the commission under his leadership, emphasising a steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that every Kenyan's voice is not only heard but also counted.
He underscored that the credibility of any election hinges on a collective commitment to fairness and the fundamental principle that every Kenyan matters.
"Our first and foremost loyalty is to the people of Kenya, who hold sovereign power under Article 1 of the Constitution," Ethekon declared, in a powerful assurance to the nation.
He also acknowledged the significant challenges that lie ahead, particularly the pervasive issues of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.
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Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Erastus Edung Ethekon
Ethekon announced that the commission is prepared to tackle these challenges head-on by collaborating with news outlets to prioritise factual information and build public trust in the electoral process.
In a call for national unity and shared responsibility, the new Chairperson stressed that credible elections are not the sole responsibility of the IEBC.
He urged all institutions and stakeholders to join hands with the commission in planning for upcoming elections to ensure peaceful, transparent, and accountable electoral processes.
"Credible elections are a national responsibility," he asserted, calling on every Kenyan to be an active participant in the journey to strengthen the nation's democracy through their vigilance and their voices.
Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Erastus Edung Ethekon
Before concluding his remarks, Ethekon paid tribute to his predecessors, acknowledging their significant contributions to the consolidation and deepening of Kenya's democratic processes through their work at the IEBC.
As Kenya looks toward its next electoral cycle, the appointment of Erastus Edung Ethekon and his firm, people-centric stance will be closely watched.
His leadership and the actions of the commission will be pivotal in shaping the future of the nation's democracy, with the hope of building a stronger, more resilient Kenya, one election at a time.