IEBC Directed To Use Manual Voters’ Register During August 9 Elections Following Court Order

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug, 4 – High court judge justice Mugure Thande has ordered the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to use the manual voters’ register during the August 9 polls.

The poll body had earlier on said that it would not use the register in the upcoming elections.

Thande said that the decision was risky and might prejudice the rights of an eligible voter.

IEBC had argued that the printed register could be susceptible to manipulation, claims the court termed as ‘not sufficient’ reason and drastic since technology could also potentially be manipulated.

The judge further inquired and questioned what would happen if the electronic devices (KIEMS kit) used for the polls also failed.

“The decision by IEBC via a letter dated June 10, 2022 stating that the first respondent shall not use the manual register voter in the general elections of Tuesday 9 2022 is unconstitutional and the said decision is hereby quashed,” the court ruled.

IEBC has further been directed to ensure that the right of voters is upheld during the August 9 elections.