IEBC Estimates total Turn Out for Thursday's Election at 6.5 Million Voters

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) now says that it estimates the total voter turnout for October 26th repeat presidential election at around 6.5 million voters.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said latest figures calculated from 267 out of 291 constituencies pointed out that an estimated 6,553,858 Kenyans took part in Thursday's fresh election.

In a statement via his official twitter handle, Chebukati said “the 48% was a BEST estimate turnout from the team. Latest actual figures from 267 constituencies show 6,553,858 Kenyans turned out to vote."

In an earlier update, Chebukati said the commission had approximated the voter turnout at 48% as of 5.00 pm Thursday.

In an address to Kenyans at the Bomas of Kenya on Thursday night, Chebukati noted that 5,319 out of the 40,883 polling stations failed to open, while 35,564 polling stations, representing 87% of the total opened.

“Out of the 40,883 polling stations, 35,564 polling stations opened or sent an opening message meaning that voting took place,” said Chebukati.

As at 9:00 pm, Chebukati said the commission had received 27,124 Forms 34A from various polling stations across the country.

“So far we have received 27,124 forms 34 A which are both in the back end and in the public portal which means this is part of what forms 80 per cent of the 35,564 polling stations which opened this morning,” revealed Chebukati.

He further confirmed postponement of the repeat poll in Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori counties, as well as a few other constituencies spread across the country.

“We might have to postpone the election in some other constituencies other than those in Siaya, Migori, Kisumu and Homa Bay to Saturday due to bad weather or security reasons but we will give you a comprehensive list and it will be gazetted tomorrow for purposes of voting on Saturday,” added Chebukati.