IEBC Bans Taking of Photos, 'Selfies' by Voters in Polling Stations

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cautioned voters against taking photographs and ‘selfies’ inside polling stations during next week’s voting.

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati said that voters are also forbidden from taking photos of ballot papers showing who they have voted for and only journalists accredited by the commission to cover the election will be allowed to take photographs and videos inside the polling stations.

“Voting is supposed to be secret. It is illegal to show everyone or post on any social media group who you have voted for,” Chebukati said on Friday at the Bomas of Kenya.

“Nobody is saying you cannot take your selfies after voting. In fact, you can have your mobile phone or camera on you at the polling station.

"The only request we are making is that you do not take photos or make calls within the polling station as a voter,” Chebukati added.

Chebukati said that the limitation is meant to protect the right of voters to secrecy of the ballot as stipulated by the law.

Commissioner Margaret Mwachanya said she cannot imagine a situation where every voter displayed on Facebook or any other social media platform whoever he or she has voted for.

“Let’s imagine that, and then have a candid discussion,” Mwachanya said.

Chebukati assured Kenyans IEBC will deliver a free, fair and credible election and urged them not to judge his commission based on the 2013 commission.

“We just came in January and have put all systems in place to deliver a credible poll,” he said.