Nairobi, Kenya: The Jubilee Coalition has contested the move by the electoral commission to include spoilt votes in calculating the presidential tally.
They objected the decision to count invalid votes along with the valid ones as part of the overall tally that would define whether any candidate has secured the 50 per cent plus one constitutional threshold.
Jubilee blamed foreign missions for allegedly influencing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ( IEBC) to take that position in tabulating the figures which it claimed was meant to deny the coalition a win in the first round of the contest.
IEBC had earlier stated the Constitution envisages the inclusion of all votes cast in calculating the percentage of the presidential tally.
According to the Constitution, a presidential candidate must garner 50 per cent plus one vote of allvotes cast to be declared the winner.
Jubilee running mate William Ruto addressed the media at Bomas last night, but also appealed to Kenyans to remain calm as they take up the matter with the IEBC.
“We are aware some foreign missions have taken a position on this matter and have been canvassing to have IEBC include the spoilt votes in calculating the per centage,” Ruto said.
He added: “ Jubilee Coalition is concerned over the sudden change of rules by IEBC which to us is meant to deny us a first round win,” he said.
Ruto said they would move to court to challenge IEBC on the matter if it becomes necessary.
