20100122
allafrica

There is no doubt that events after the last General Election may discourage some Kenyans from registering as voters.

However, by doing so they will be defranchising themselves. And most certainly, they will be giving in to forces against the people's right to vote for their favourite candidates.

This is why we welcome the announcement by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission this week that it aims to register 15 million voters by June.

Indeed, the team hopes to surpass the 18 million voters registered for the 2007 polls. The commission is basing its prediction on the impressive voter turnout for the Bomachoge and Shinyalu by-elections last year.

However, such a feat is not possible unless Kenyans support the move by coming out to enlist as voters. The conduct of the last elections dented the integrity of the exercise. It is, however, our collective duty to restore people's confidence in elections and their credibility.