{
  "id": 2861652,
  "title": "IEBC explains why Kenyans cannot take photos of ballot papers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/iebc-explains-why-kenyans-cannot-take-photos-of-ballot-papers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T20:15:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/iebc-explains-why-kenyans-cannot-take-photos-of-ballot-papers"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has clarified why voters are not allowed to photograph their marked ballot papers during the voting and counting process. The prohibition is in place to safeguard the secrecy of the vote, which is a cornerstone of Kenya's electoral system. IEBC Commissioner Dr Ann Nderitu explained that voters cannot take photos while voting or when the votes are being counted, as per the Constitution of Kenya, elections are conducted through secret ballot. The restriction does not apply to election results forms once they have been completed and announced. At this stage, agents are permitted to take photos of the forms. The distinction is crucial, as while these agents can document the declared results, they cannot photograph individual ballots, which could potentially violate the voter's right to privacy. Kenya's Elections Act mandates that election officials, candidates, and agents uphold the secrecy of the ballot. It also forbids any attempt to collect information about the candidate a voter intends to vote for or has voted for. The law makes it illegal to photograph a marked ballot with the intent to gain financially or to show support, with penalties including fines of up to Ksh1 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. IEBC has warned that photographing a marked ballot at the polling station can undermine the secrecy of the vote and expose voters to undue influence, coercion, or vote-buying. To ensure that security personnel understand the electoral procedures and their responsibilities, police officers deployed to polling stations and counting centers are trained and briefed by IEBC as electoral officials under the command of the returning officer. This arrangement aims to familiarize security officers with the electoral processes, enabling them to perform their duties effectively. The IEBC's advance communication regarding election preparations is intended to keep Kenyans informed about the electoral process. This is both a legal and administrative measure to ensure the country is well-prepared for the next general election scheduled for August 10, 2027. The commission has already initiated preparations, including voter registration, electoral planning, and stakeholder engagement. The emphasis on ballot secrecy will continue to be a priority as the country prepares for the 2027 election, urging all stakeholders to adhere to the procedures designed to protect the confidentiality and integrity of each vote.",
  "summary": "The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has explained why voters are prohibited from photographing marked ballot papers, saying the restriction is necessary to protect the secrecy of the vote. IEBC Commissioner Dr Ann Nderitu said voters cannot take photographs of their marked ballot papers while voting or during the counting process because Kenya’s electoral […]",
  "key_points": [
    "IEBC prohibits voters from photographing marked ballot papers to protect vote secrecy.",
    "Secret ballot required by Kenya's Constitution; agents can photograph completed results.",
    "Violation of ballot secrecy carries penalties up to Ksh1 million and three years imprisonment."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}