IEBC Warns Kenyans Against Taking Pictures of Ballot Papers

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cautioned Kenyans against taking pictures of ballot papers in the ongoing by-elections.

In a statement on Thursday, November 27, IEBC said taking pictures of ballot papers violates electoral laws and undermines the secrecy of the vote.

The electoral commission noted that the act is punishable by law.

“No one is allowed to take pictures of ballot papers at polling stations. The secrecy and integrity of the individual vote must be preserved at all times. Any breach is punishable by law,” IEBC stated.

IEBC is conducting by-elections for MCAs in 15 wards, 6 National Assembly seats for Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja constituencies and a Member of Senate seat for Baringo County.

The voting process began at 6:00 AM across various polling centres and is expected to conclude at 5:00 PM.

Earlier, IEBC said that any time lost during the voting process will be recovered at closing time, and all voters still in the queue at 5:00 PM will be allowed to vote.

“Polling stations opened at 6.00 am and will close at 5.00 pm.⁠ Any lost time during polling will be recovered at closing, and voters in the queue by 5.00 pm will be allowed to vote,” IEBC stated.

After the close of polling, presiding officers, in full view of agents, observers, and the media, will open the ballot boxes, count the ballots, and tabulate the results at the polling station.

Following the tabulation, agents of aspirants will be allowed to take photographs of the official results forms.

On Wednesday, IEBC said eligible voters captured in the 2022 certified Register of Voters for the respective by-election areas will be identified using the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits.

The commission also mentioned that a register of voters has been displayed at each polling station for public verification.

"All eligible voters as captured in the 2022 certified Register of Voters for the respective by-election areas will be identified using the KIEMS kits. The Register of Voters has been displayed at each polling station for public verification," IEBC stated.

IEBC also noted that presiding officers will oversee polling stations and that agents, observers, and media personnel must not interfere with their work.

"The Presiding Officers will remain fully in charge of the polling stations. Therefore, party agents should cooperate with them and ensure they collectively facilitate the smooth process of voting and counting. We urge agents, observers and media not to interfere with the integrity of the exercise," the statement read.

The commission further advised that complaints should be made respectfully to polling officials and backed by evidence, while also encouraging accurate reporting from observers and the media.

"Any complaints should be raised with the poll officials respectfully, with patience and supported with tangible evidence. We request agents, observers and media to truthfully and without bias record the proceedings and any observations without unnecessary interference and disruptions of the exercise," the agency added.