IEBC to use manual register in elections as directed by High Court

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has agreed to use the manual voter register in the elections slated for next Tuesday, August 8, 2022.

The commission through a press release dated, August 5, 2022, stated that they will deploy the printed register of voters at the polling station.

“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,” the statement reads in parts.

While noting that the commission abides by the rule of law, the commission further pledged to deliver free and credible lections.

“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 General election,” IEBC wrote.

Press Release: Printed register of voters.
The Commission led by Chairman Wafula Chebukati today addressed members of the media in regards to The printed register of voters. #GE2022 pic.twitter.com/uoLSDrdXtB

— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) August 5, 2022

High court declares scraping of manual voter register unconstitutional

The High Court on Thursday, August 4, declared the decision by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to scrap the use of the manual voters’ register in every polling station in the upcoming polls unconstitutional.

Justice Mugure Thande quashed the electoral commission and its Chairman Wafula Chebukati’s decision of June 10 not to use manual voter register on grounds that they acted outside the parameters of the law and the constitution.

“A declaration is hereby issued that the decision of IEBC and Chebukati signified under a letter dated June 10, 2022 stating that the commission shall not use the manual register of voters in the general election of Tuesday next week is unconstitutional and the said decision is hereby quashed, ” Justice Thande ruled.