By James Kamau
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cautioned Kenyans against photographing or recording marked ballot papers, reminding voters that the secrecy of the ballot is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of free and fair elections.
In a public advisory issued during the ongoing electoral exercise, the Commission said the confidentiality of every vote is protected under Articles 38(3)(b) and 81(e)(i) of the Constitution.
IEBC emphasized that any action that compromises ballot secrecy not only violates electoral laws but also threatens the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
The Commission warned that photographing or recording a marked ballot paper could expose voters to undue influence, intimidation, coercion and vote-buying, undermining the principle of secret voting.
Such actions, the electoral body noted, amount to electoral offences and may attract legal consequences under Kenyan law.
“The secrecy of the ballot is not merely a legal requirement but a constitutional guarantee that protects every Kenyan’s freedom to vote without fear, coercion or undue influence. Any act that compromises this principle is an offence and undermines the integrity of our democratic process,” the Commission said.
IEBC urged all voters to respect the secrecy of the ballot and comply with electoral laws to ensure elections remain transparent, credible and reflective of the will of the people.
The Commission further called on voters to seek election information only from official channels in order to curb misinformation and safeguard public confidence in the electoral process.
