IEBC: Why you can't photograph your ballot paper
Kenya's IEBC has prohibited voters from photographing their ballot papers to ensure the secrecy of the vote ahead of the 2027 General Election. However, the commission will allow the public to photograph official results forms once they are tallied and announced.
Why it matters
This policy balances the constitutional requirement for a secret ballot with the public's demand for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has moved to explain why it has prohibited voters from photographing ballot papers during voting, saying the restriction is meant to protect the secrecy of the ballot ahead of the 2027 General Election.
IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu said the commission would however allow the use of phones for other activities at polling stations, including photographing official results forms after votes have been counted and announced.
“The only thing that you cannot take a photo of is the photo of the ballot paper when somebody is voting, and even when you are counting, because the elections according to the Constitution of Kenya is by secret ballot,” Nderitu said.
She was speaking on Citizen TV on Sunday night during a discussion on preparations for the 2027 elections.
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