IEBC to seek consensus with Nasa on poll agents
IEBC commissioner Ambassador Paul Kurgat and Cannon Peter Karanja address the media in Nairobi on July 25, 2017. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
The electoral commission has said it will engage the opposition over the number of agents to be allowed in the polling station even as it ruled out large crowd accompanying candidates in a polling station.
Speaking during a meeting with the clergy and elders drawn from 47 counties, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Dr Paul Kurgat said there is need for understanding between the electoral agency and parties on the number of agents.
DISRUPT
Dr Kurgat said some polling stations are very small and therefore allowing many candidates in a polling station might interfere with the process.
Dr Kurgat also some areas have more than 35 candidates and therefore allowing each parties to have an agent will not be feasible.
"We really appeal to parties that let's understand each other on the risk that might occur if a large crowd is allowed in the polling stations," Kurgat said
"There are regulation governing a polling station where each candidate is supposed to have an agent but there are negotiations going on at the moment so that a coalition can less agents," Dr Kurgat said.
The opposition and acting Interior CS Fred Matiang'i has at loggerhead over adopt a polling station championed by NASA where they will have more agents to 'guard' their votes.
The CS has insisted that only accredited persons will be allowed in the polling station and other people should vote and go back home.
