NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug, 9 – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is expected to announce the new election date for areas where the polls have been postponed.
IEBC Vice Chairperson Juliana Cherera said that the new dates will be confirmed via a gazette notice.
On Tuesday, elections in Rongai Constituency in Nakuru county as well as in Kitui Rural were postponed after wrong candidates’ pictures and details were noticed to have been printed on the ballot paper.
On Monday, the poll body also announced that the elections for the Mombasa and Kakamega gubernatorial elective position had also been postponed alongside those of Kacheliba and Pokot South constituencies over a similar issue.
Candidates in the affected areas expressed their frustrations over the matter accusing IEBC of incompetence.
Voters meanwhile said that the discrepancy could affect the turnout after a new date for the specific positions is announced.
“In areas where election materials are yet to arrive at their respective polling stations due to flooding and other natural calamities, the commission is working hard to ensure that materials are in place for the smooth conduct of the General election,” said Cherera.
Across various parts of the country, however, voter apathy was witnessed as Kenyans appeared to steer clear of polling stations.
Officials however say that some may be planning on casting their votes during the final hours.
Polling stations will be closed by 5 pm.
“Where there is a delay in the opening and interruptions of voting at a polling station, the presiding officer shall extend the hours of the polling by the amount of the time lost,” said Cherera.
By noon Tuesday, IEBC said that only 6,567,869 million voters out of a registered 22,120,458 had cast the ballot.
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