The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a warning to voters and party agents against taking pictures of ballot papers during the voting exercise.
The commission underlined that the confidentiality and integrity of each vote must always be upheld.
“Any violation attracts legal consequences,” IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said in a statement.
The caution also extends to journalists and election observers.
Although taking photos of completed and certified results forms is permissible after results have been officially announced, the commission clarified that photographing actual ballot papers remains strictly forbidden.
IEBC is set to conduct by-elections in 22 wards and constituencies on Thursday, November 27.
The commission noted that circulating images of marked ballot papers could compromise vote secrecy, mislead the public, and interfere with voters’ freedom to choose. It urged all stakeholders to honour the rules to safeguard trust in the electoral process.
Presiding officers will retain full authority within polling stations, and party agents are encouraged to cooperate to ensure orderly voting and counting.
Observers and the media are expected to document proceedings accurately without disrupting the process.
“Any concerns should be presented respectfully and backed with concrete evidence,” Ethekon added.
Regarding tallying centres, IEBC stated that only accredited individuals with valid identification will be granted access.
Senior elected leaders and party representatives monitoring the process are expected to uphold the integrity of the exercise and work closely with IEBC staff and security teams.
The commission emphasised that no behaviour should obstruct or delay the tallying and release of results.
Earlier, IEBC announced that preparations for tomorrow’s by-elections across the 22 electoral areas were complete, assuring Kenyans of a smooth, secure, and transparent process.
Election materials, polling staff, and security officers have already been deployed to their designated stations.
Upon arrival, IEBC said, teams would set up and stay overnight to ensure polling begins at exactly 6 am.
“Voters still in line by 5 pm will be allowed to cast their ballots, and any delays experienced at opening time will be compensated for at closing,” it added.
In Kasipul Constituency, Returning Officer Rebecca Abwaku, together with IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, supervised the unsealing of ballot paper pallets.
Chief party agents, accredited observers, and the media were present to confirm that the pallets were untouched, verify the serial numbers, and ensure the ballot papers carried the correct candidates’ names.
