The Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) has finalized on the basic requirements for the referendum to be held in August. The commission announced August 4 as the date when Kenyans will cast their ballot in favor of or against the proposed draft constitution.The date was arrived at after consultations and was deemed appropriate as it falls during school holidays as more than 50% of the polling stations are schools.Upon appointment into office the commission was charged with the mandate of holding the referendum be held before August 6.The electoral body also unveiled the question that will be asked at the referendum following consultations with the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) as required by law.The Commission published the Referendum Question on 12th May, 2010, in a Gazette Notice No. 5075.  The question to be asked at the Referendum is as follows: “Do you approve the proposed new Constitution?” (Je, unaikubali katiba mpya inayopendekezwa?)

In search of the appropriate symbols to be used, the Commission engaged members of the public, Media and Political Parties’ representatives to make proposals of symbols for consideration by the Commission. The committee eventually settled for two colors; green for “Yes” and red for “No” to the referendum question.

Other preparations for the Referendum include publishing of the Referendum Regulations as mandated by the Constitution of Kenya Review Act.

These Regulations provide for the constitution of Referendum Committees comprising of persons intending to support or oppose the Referendum Question.

It also provides for all matters pertaining to the carrying out of the Referendum, including the voting procedures.  Interested parties may apply to IIEC for registration of the Referendum Committees they intend to form.