Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Deputy Chairperson Consolata Nkatha on Monday stated that the poll body would proceed to announce the results of the fresh Presidential election despite voting not taking place in some areas.
Speaking during a presser at Bomas of Kenya, Nkatha stated that the Commission had found difficulties in conducting an election in parts of Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay and Kisumu and would proceed with announcing the winner because the mentioned counties cannot affect the outcome.
"The commission was constrained to postpone the fresh Presidential election in those areas to 28 October 2017 in accordance with Section 55 B (1) of the Elections act, as read together with regulations 64 A of the elections general regulations 2012 as amended.
[caption caption="IEBC Vice-Chairperson Consolata Nkatha"]
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"Due to sustained and escalating violence that caused a serious breach of peace in the affected areas, the commission was unable to hold elections in the said areas on the 28 of October, therefore, postponing the elections for a second time," stated Nkatha.
She added that the IEBC was not able to set a new date in compliance with section 55 B which states: "Where an election is postponed, the said election should be held at the earliest practicable time."
Nkatha further stated that they had completed verification in 266 constituencies where the election was held and in accordance with Section 55 B (3) of the Elections Act, was satisfied that the outcome would not be affected by the counties where voting did not take place.
"We, therefore, announce the Presidential candidates for the announcement of the results and declaration at 3.30pm," she concluded.
IEBC officials faced hostility in some areas of Nyanza region where residents maintained voting would not take place.
It is believed that the IEBC consulted its legal team on whether it could proceed with declaring the President without results from some counties and was given a green light.
National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga is set to give his supporters their next course of action after the declaration of the President by IEBC.
[caption caption="NASA Leader Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka"]
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