By preventing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from livestreaming the results of the presidential election, a new measure has the potential to become law as represented by Aaron Cheruiyot, the leader of the Senate’s majority, and Stewart Madzayo, the leader of the Senate’s minority.
The Elections (Amendment) Bill of 2024, which attempts to formalize the ideas presented by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) on problems relevant to election processes, states that this is the proposed course of action.
Within the context of the political standstill that existed between the government and the opposition in 2023, the NADCO, which is a nonpartisan team, came into being. The committee proposed several modifications to the Constitution for consideration.
The law would no longer require the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to broadcast the results live at polling places.
On the official website of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which is now tallying the results at polling stations, Kenyans have access to real-time results.
Instead, we will tabulate, proclaim, declare, and electronically send the presidential election results, giving them precedence over the results of other elected offices.
An excerpt from the bill reads as follows: “The new section has eliminated sections providing for the obligation for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to provide a method for the live streaming of results as announced at polling stations in order to facilitate public awareness.”
Aaron Cheruiyot, the leader of the Senate’s majority, and Stewart Madzayo, the leader of the Senate’s minority, are representing the measure, which is now on the Committee of the Whole stage at the Senate.
In addition to this, the law recommended that a respected company conduct an audit of the voter register in order to ascertain the total number of eligible voters.
Additionally, it will be necessary for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to design a supplementary method that can identify voters.
When it comes to presidential elections, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will transmit key electoral information within three days, and in the event of other elected posts, it will do so within seven days.
With the passage of the law, Parliament will also choose an impartial organization to conduct an assessment of the electoral process after a general election has taken place.
The assessment will involve a study of the legislative framework, procedures, and expenses associated with the election process.
There is a section in the bill that states, “The proposed additional rules require the draughting of a report for submission to Parliament within ninety days following the appointment of the independent company.”
