HURIA Executive Director Yusuf Lule . [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Human Rights Agenda (HURIA) Executive Director Yusuf Lule has criticised IEBC for allegedly failing to carry out extensive voter education.
Speaking at Baraza Park polling centre in Kwale County on Tuesday, Lule blamed the confusion that was witnessed at the polling station on lack of proper voter education.He said many voters are unaware of the procedure they are required to follow once they arrive at their respective polling stations, adding that the commission should have employed additional clerks to guide the electorate.“We have witnessed a lot of confusion as voters do not know where to queue,” said Lule.He claimed that some of the observers at the station were forced to assist voters who did not where to queue, as there was no one else to do so.Lule also noted that the voter verification process at the polling station was quite slow, despite the high voter turnout.He argued that this may negatively affect the elections since a section of residents may decide to return to their homes.He further raised concern over the delay in distribution of election materials at some polling stations.“In Golini primary and Diani polling centres, the materials and IEBC officials arrived late thereby disrupting the exercise,” he said.He, however, lauded residents for turning out to vote in large numbers and urged them to maintain peace.