We Will Comply With Court Order And Deploy Printed Register Of Voters – Chebukati

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug, 6 – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will comply with court orders to use the manual voters’ register during the August 9 polls.

IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati said that all polling stations nationwide will receive physical copies of the voter’s register.

This is expected to complement the electronic voter register.

“The commission, in compliance with the decision in High Court Constitutional petition number E 306 of 2022, shall now deploy the printed register of voters at the polling station where names of voters shall be crossed out after identification of voters using the KIEMs kits,” said Chebukati.

High Court Ruling

High court judge justice Mugure Thande 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.

“The commission commits to adhere to the rule of law and will facilitate the realization of political rights as encapsulated in Article 38 of the Constitution in order to deliver a free, fair, and credible election,” said Chebukati on Frida after the ruling.