Kenyans prefer August 2012 as election date

Majority of Kenyans prefer to have the general elections held on August 2012 according to the latest survey conducted by Ipsos-Synovate.

The survey, which was released on Monday, indicates that 53 per cent of Kenyans chose the month of August as their preferred election date compared to 38 per cent who prefer the month of December.

“This is most likely an indication by Kenyans for their wish that what is spelt out in the new Constitution be respected.” says Ipsos-Synovate in a press statement.

Nairobi province had 66 per cent of respondents supporting elections be held in August while 30 per cent prefer December.

In Eastern province, 61 per cent also prefer the month of August compared to 25 per cent for December.

Central province had 54 per cent preference for August against 40 per cent for December.

In the Rift Valley province, 50 per cent of respondents prefer August while 44 per cent are in favour of December.

Nyanza, Western and North Eastern provinces are slightly divided on the election date with 47 per cent in Nyanza prefer August while 45 per cent in favour of December.

In Western, 44 per cent favour both August and December while in North Eastern 44 per cent favour August compared to 29 per cent who prefer December.

“What is important to note is that in almost all regions, the general feeling is that the general election should be held in August,” says Ipsos-Synovate.

The Constitution requires that the next election date be held on the second Tuesday of August.

However, the Cabinet on September 13, 2011 proposed holding the national elections on December 2012.