国际英语资讯:Kenyans urged to remain calm amid poll anxiety_时事

国际英语资讯:Kenyans urged to remain calm amid poll anxiety

Millions of Kenyans went to the polling stations on Tuesday in the third presidential elections since the 2007 elections when post-election chaos led to death of about 1,200 people, injuring 3,500 and forcibly displacing up to 650,000 others.

The government's statement comes as Kenyans who massively turned out for the general elections are anxiously awaiting final results of a hotly contested election whose final presidential results may be announced on Friday.

Most businesses remain closed with several public transport operators in various parts of the East African nation for the third day on Thursday opting to keep their vehicles off the road.

Millions of Kenyans have chosen to stay indoors to monitor results on television sets. Others have suspended all their normal activities until the final tally of the presidential results are announced.

Several foreign observer groups have urged those who cast their vote, as well as candidates, political leaders and their supporters, to maintain the same calm and patience, to allow the electoral commission to complete its tallying of the votes, and to refrain from any pronouncements that could undermine its authority or cause tension.

Matiang'i said the government has requested private security firms, international agencies or any other entity issuing security alerts to do so in consultation with the police.

Kenya's constitution, which was enacted in 2010, provides for the election of a president, governor, senator, members of Parliament, women's representative and ward representative, all in one day.