The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) now says that the controversial decision to print two copies of Forms 34A and 34B was reached following an advisory by the Greece firm contracted to print electoral materials.
According to IEBC chair, Wafula Chebukati, only one copy of the form will be used for the purpose of the transmission of the presidential election results.
The second one will not be used but sealed and kept at the National Tallying Centre at the Bomas of Kenya.
IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati Addressing The Media In A Past Event
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Chebukati explained that the company contracted to print the results forms booklets in carbonated format hence the reason for each of the forms being printed in pairs.
The IEBC chair, who was speaking at the Bomas of Kenya after meeting representatives of presidential candidates, stated that the move was not aimed at compromising the results of the August 9 polls as claimed by a section of politicians.
He added that the printing firm had advised the Commission that printing a single form would not give a clear impression of the results, hence the move to duplicate them.
Chebukati explained that they will only use one booklet – Form 34a for purposes of transmission of the presidential elections.
“The second booklet will be sealed on arrival on arrival at the polling stations in a tamper-proof envelope and kept in the ballot box and sealed with materials at the end of polling. The second booklet will not be used,” Chebukati stated.
“On the issue of the first booklet, the original will be brought to the national tallying centre for purposes of verification of results by the national presidential officer then the copies will be allocated as follows; four copies will be given to agents of presidential candidates, one copy will be put in the ballot box and sealed together with election materials and that leaves one copy which will be posted on the door,” he added.
The IEBC Chair also clarified that Forms 34b will be managed at the Constituency level and will be managed by the returning officer.
He noted that 34b will be printed and delivered in the country with the remaining election materials that are being printed.
“There was an issue on 34b which is managed by the returning officer at the constituency level. The forms are being printed and will be delivered together with the remaining materials.
“Form 34b was not meant to be packaged together with Form34a because it’s meant to be used by the returning officer. The commission is receiving more presidential ballots,” he stated.
Chebukati stated that they had reached a consensus with representatives from various political parties and they had quelled the fears that were arising.
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