Poll body launches report on new boundaries

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Monday launched a preliminary report that proposes creation of new constituencies and a review of the boundaries of others.

IEBC chairman Issack Hassan launched the report with a call for restraint in the public debates that are set to begin from Tuesday over contentious issues regarding creation of 80 new constituencies and demarcation and reorganization of civic wards within them.

The delimitation of boundaries, which is expected to end by April this year, will result in an increase of constituencies from the present 210 to 290.

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, who was present at the launch of the report, urged the IEBC to ensure all dissenting voices are heard in the public hearings.

Mudavadi also cautioned the commission to guard against clan rivalries that will play out in the counties during the public hearings.

"Let everyone be heard to minimize the prospects of litigations. Litigations will only lead to more delays. There are going to be challenges and a a lot of clan issues are going to come up. I would like to urge you to rise above this," said Mudavadi.

The report is now open for debate for the next 21 days during which members of the public will make their submissions.

Public contributions can be made either through written submissions that are hand delivered to IEBC offices, oral presentations in public hearing that will be held in all counties or through entries made to IEBC's website www.iebc.or.ke

Regional Elections Coordinators (RECs) and the 210 Constituency Elections Coordinators (CECs) will be at hand at the constituencies to receive such the public's views.

IEBC will then have 10 days to review the submissions made by members of the public and consider revising the report before forwarding it to Parliament for approval.

IEBC Chief Executive James Oswago sought to downplay media reports that the preliminary report had largely adopted a report by its predecessor the Interim Boundary Review Commission also known as the Ligale report. (READ: Poll body backs Ligale report on boundaries)

"This is not a relaunch of a document. This occasion is dedicated to a new product," said Oswago.