Kenya votes: Ballot papers for keen presidential polls set - IEBC

Kenya

Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) continues updating citizens on its activities with days to crucial general elections.

The IEBC on Tuesday said it had taken delivery of all ballot papers in respect of the presidential race. The race pits incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta against former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, and six other candidates.

The elections body took an earlier delivery of papers for 30 out of its 47 counties on Monday before the final batch of 17 on board an Etihad cargo aircraft was delivered at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport today.

The second and last batch of Presidential ballot papers arrive JKIA 8.20pm. 161 pallets for 17 Counties – Laikipia (no31) to Nairobi (no47). pic.twitter.com/1y5eQXpGzi

— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) August 1, 2017

Parties have been keenly following the operations of the IEBC as they trade rigging accusations at each other. The elections are expected to take place on Tuesday, August 8.

Aside the presidential race, voters will also pick governors, members of the legislature and members of county assemblies. Previous polls in the East African country have been marred by deadly violence.

There was an attack on the country home of the deputy-president over the weekend before the IEBC’s head of electronic results transmission, Chris Msando, was tortured and murdered. His mutilated body and that of an unidentified woman was found later on Monday.

The attack on deputy president has not been linked to the polls but that of Msando is believed to be in connection with the upcoming process.

The IEBC postponed simulation of results transmission which the deceased was supposed to head. They also called for improved security for commission members.