The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has outlined the procedure for counting votes and the declaration of the results upon completion of the voting process in the Old Kalou by-election.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a notice issued on Thursday, July 16, the IEBC said vote counting had begun immediately after polling stations closed at 5pm, with presiding officers opening ballot boxes, counting ballots and tabulating results at each polling station in full view of agents, election observers and the media.

To enhance transparency, the electoral agency said party agents present at polling stations will be allowed to photograph official results forms before they are transmitted. It added that copies of the results forms will also be displayed at polling stations for public viewing.

The commission said Returning Officers will receive results from Presiding Officers, verify and collate them before announcing constituency-level results and declaring the winner in the presence of agents and accredited stakeholders.

📌 What You Need to Know

"After the close of polling at 5:00 pm, the Presiding Officer in full view of agents , observers, and the media will open the ballot box, count the ballots and tabulate the results at the polling station in an open and transparent process," the IEBC stated.

However, the commission warned against unauthorised individuals at the polling station during counting time, stating that only legally required people will be allowed in.

IEBC also reiterated that there is no legal provision for "super agents" or any unauthorised individuals to operate within polling stations or tallying centres, including political party leaders.

"Only accredited persons with identification and badges are allowed to access tallying centres and observe the tallying and declaration of results," it added.

While acknowledging that senior elected and party leaders may wish to witness the tallying process, IEBC urged them to respect the integrity of tallying centres and cooperate with election officials and security personnel. It warned against any actions that could disrupt or delay the tallying and announcement of results.

The announcement comes after the conclusion of the voting process of the highly contested election, as both the government and the opposition believe they are best positioned to win the polls.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke