IEBC dispatch election materials to all constituency tallying centres
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has guaranteed Kenyans of its preparedness for tomorrow’s general election.
IEBC commissioner Boya Molu noted that all ballot papers have been received and dispatched to constituency tallying centres.
“All systems are set and we are ready to take off on Tuesday at 6am. We have ensured that all materials needed are in the 290 constituencies across the country and we are not waiting for any other materials,” he said.
The two presidential frontrunners, Azimio One Kenya candidate Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto, have spent the previous several weeks rallying their followers to vote in big numbers.
With opinion surveys showing a close contest between the two, voter turnout is expected to be critical in deciding a winner.
This year, the IEBC will spend approximately Sh1,800 per voter. This is significantly higher than what other African countries have spent on elections.
IEBC has previously defended the budget, claiming that it was required to achieve free, fair, and legitimate elections, despite persistent criticism over its supplier selection.
The commission spent a large portion of its budget on paying thousands of poll workers, ranging from registration clerks during voter registration to election authorities such as returning and polling officers.
Election materials will be moved from constituencies to polling places beginning today.
Following security intelligence of a potential disruption in Mombasa County, the Commission relocated three counting centers. Returning Officer Swalha Yusuf confirmed the modification, which will see the primary tallying center relocated from the old Bandari College hall to Kenya School of Government.
The constituency tallying center in Changamwe has been relocated from Portreitz Kenya Medical Training College to St Mary’s Catholic, while the Likoni center has been relocated from Mtongwe Primary to Young Women’s Christian Association.
“The three tallying centres were moved because of intelligence reports over possible disruptions,” Yusuf said.
