IEBC makes last-minute change of tallying centres
Written by Inka FM on 8 August 2022
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has moved three tallying centres following security intelligence of a possible disruption in Mombasa county.
County Returning Officer Swalha Yusuf confirmed the change will now see the main tallying centre moved to Kenya School of Government from the previous Bandari College hall.
In Changamwe, the constituency tallying centre has now been moved from Portreitz Kenya Medical training College to St Mary’s Catholic while Likoni centre was moved from Mtongwe Primary to Young Women’s Christian Association centre.
“The three tallying centres were moved because of intelligence reports that over possible disruptions,” Yusuf said.
Common offences
The electoral agency reported said it has deployed more General Service Unit personnel in Kisauni, Nyali and Likoni sub-counties, which it regards as insecurity hotspots.
This follows incidents of political confrontations pitting main contestants in Nyali, who are ODM’s Said Abdalla and United Democratic Alliance’s Mohamed Ali. Last week, they were summoned at the county commissioner’s office where they pledged to ensure peaceful polls.
Yusuf yesterday warned politicians against influencing voters, saying any malpractice, including voter bribery will attract dire consequences.
“Politicians will be given a priority to vote, so that they can walk out without influencing voters, anyone who bribes voters will risk disqualification.
Those that are calling on voters to guard votes should know it is not allowed,” she warned.
She said accredited election observers have also been deployed to monitor the process.
“We have completed training of our chief agents and our officers, and we have already dispatched election materials to all centres. We also have 20 security officers in every tallying centre to ensure peace,” she said.
