[Opposition leader Raila Odinga says a parallel tallying centre will enable them to verify results announced by IEBC/ Photo/ the-star]
Opposition alliance NASA co-principal Raila Odinga has defended the outfit's plan to set up a parallel tallying centre during the next general elections.
Speaking on Tuesday at Orange House, the ODM Party leader noted that the move is aimed at verifying the figures announced by electoral body IEBC.
“Political parties are allowed to have tallying centres. I have been hearing them say nobody is allowed to have a parallel tallying centre. No, no, no,” the former premier said.
“That must be done in this country. There is no negotiation on that. Once the results are announced, they become public document," he added.
This move has been widely criticised by IEBC and the state, accusing the Opposition of assuming the electoral agency's responsibilities.
Last week, IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati trashed NASA's plans to form a parallel tallying centre, saying IEBC is the only body constitutionally mandated to declare and announce election results.