Thousands of independent candidates have gotten a major reprieve after the IEBC extended the closing date for their application to May 8th.
According to IEBC communications director Andrew Limo, Independent candidates have until 5 pm on the 8th of May to submit their forms and symbols to the Registrar of Political Parties.
Limo stated that today's deadline (4th May) was an "administrative advice" but the definitive deadline would be the 8th and would not be extended.
Closing date for application for the independent candidate is Mon 8th, which is 90 days to the polls. 4th was an administrative advice pic.twitter.com/ZisSODzXOm
— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) May 4, 2017
Limo’s sentiments come in the wake of long queus at the Registrar of Political Parties, as the police and electoral officials tried to clear the over 4,000 aspirants.
The Registrar of Political Parties, Ms Lucy Ndung’u revealed that her office was handling thousands of requests and the number was increasing.
“It is hectic here. I can’t even make or receive a call or reply to an SMS. We have close to 4,000 requests and the number keeps increasing,” added Ms Ndung’u.
For one to get clearance to run independently, an aspirant should submit an application letter requesting clearance, a copy of their identity card and Sh500 search fee to confirm the symbol to be used by the aspirant.
The symbol (printed and a soft copy on CD) is then verified before submission to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Read also 6 Strict Requirements For All Independent Candidates in August Elections
