The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has dismissed circulating claims of ballot stuffing, terming them 'misleading and inaccurate.'
In a statement released on Thursday, the Commission reassured the public that its ballot management systems make it practically impossible for any form of ballot manipulation to occur.
IEBC emphasized that voting takes place in the full presence of party agents, accredited observers, and members of the media, all of whom monitor the electoral process from polling to counting.
“Each ballot paper contains multiple security features that cannot be reproduced,” the Commission noted, urging Kenyans to rely only on verified information and to reject what it called deliberate falsehoods meant to undermine the electoral process.
IEBC further appealed to both citizens and leaders to maintain peace throughout the voting, tallying, and results-announcement period.
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The Commission’s remarks come in response to a series of allegations raised by opposition leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
In his statement yesterday, Musyoka claimed that the serialization of 820,000 ballot papers was not done correctly and not properly inspected.
"This has created a dangerous loophole for ballot-stuffing through extra or unaccounted-for ballots," he stated.
Musyoka further alleged that 30,000 pre-marked ballots had already been dispatched to targeted battleground areas within Magarini, Malava, and Mbeere North through what he called 'compromised presiding officers.'
Leaders from the United opposition coalition have also echoed concerns of vote manipulation, raising questions about the transparency of the ongoing by-elections.
In response, the IEBC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the vote and called on security agencies to act firmly wherever breaches of the law occur.
"Violence and intimidation have no place in our democracy,” the Commission emphasized.
With the by-election still underway, IEBC has urged the public to remain calm, trust the process, and uphold peace as the nation awaits the official results.
