The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned Kenyans against photographing ballot papers during the ongoing by-elections.
In a statement released on Thursday, November 27, the commission said that taking pictures of marked ballot papers violates electoral laws and compromises the secrecy of the vote.
It added that the offence is punishable under the law.
IEBC Moves to Curb Ballot Paper Photography in Ongoing By-Elections. Photo: Courtesy.
IEBC is currently overseeing by-elections for 15 MCA seats, six National Assembly constituencies Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja and a Senate seat in Baringo County.
Voting kicked off at 6:00 AM in polling centres across the affected regions and is scheduled to continue until 5:00 PM.
Earlier, IEBC indicated that any time lost during the course of voting would be compensated for at the end of the day, assuring the public that all voters still in line by 5:00 PM would be permitted to cast their ballots.
Once voting ends, presiding officers will, in the presence of agents, observers, and the media, open the ballot boxes, count the votes, and record the results at each polling station.
After the results are tallied, agents representing candidates will be allowed to photograph the official results forms.
On Wednesday, IEBC said eligible voters will be identified using KIEMS kits, and the voters’ register has been displayed at all polling stations.
The commission stressed that presiding officers will oversee polling, with agents, observers, and media expected not to interfere.
Complaints should be respectfully submitted with evidence, and accurate reporting is encouraged.
