IEBC warns NASA against running parallel tallying centre

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned political parties intending to establish a parallel vote tallying centre and possibly announce the results saying it is the only body allowed by law to do so.

The commission was triggered into action by the opposition NASA coalition’s insistence that it would run a vote tallying and results relaying centre during the August 8 polls.

“For the avoidance of doubt it is only the Commission that is allowed under the law to count, tally, collate, announce and declare the results of an election. Other actors including political parties shall have access to the results within the framework established by the Commission,” said IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati in a statement sent to newsrooms this morning.

NASA leaders have repeatedly said that the centre would help unmask any electoral rigging attempts by the ruling Jubilee Party.

Commission chairperson Wafula Chebukati assured political parties and other stake holders that the commission has put in place measures to ensure that the final results announced will be a true reflection of the will of the people of Kenya.

IEBC further said that it has employed efficient results management framework that is publicly available on its website.

Commission Chair Wafula Chebukati announced to parties that IEBC is in the process of installing the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) that would guarantee even greater transparency, accountability and auditability of the results.

“We expect to have an exhibition of the KIEMS in order to allow the public to appreciate some of the improvements in election management that come with the new technology,” read the statement.

According to Chebukati, the new technology will go a long way in assuring free, fair and credible election.