A new Bill introduced in Parliament has stirred controversy for its proposal to eliminate the live-streaming of presidential election results.
If passed, this legislation would require the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to cease live broadcasting of results. Instead, the IEBC would upload results electronically to an online portal and deliver physical copies to tallying centers for verification.
The proposed changes have sparked widespread debate over their potential impact on electoral transparency and democracy.
Proponents of the Bill argue that it aims to address long-standing issues in the electoral process.
They contend that live-streaming has, in the past, created confusion and mistrust, particularly when discrepancies arise between results displayed in real time and those officially declared.
By mandating physical delivery alongside online uploads, supporters believe the changes will enhance accuracy and provide a reliable basis for comparison.
They also highlight that live-streaming can mislead the public when early results do not reflect the final tally.However, critics view the Bill as a step backward in fostering transparency.
The practice of live-streaming results has been in place since 2007, becoming a vital tool for promoting public trust in elections.
Many argue that eliminating this feature could lead to increased suspicion and allegations of vote manipulation.
Civil society groups, opposition leaders, and some electoral experts have warned that the proposal might erode gains made in electoral transparency, potentially creating opportunities for malpractice.
The Bill also revises key aspects of result management.
Under the new framework, results will be transmitted both electronically and manually, with the physical copies taking precedence in case of inconsistencies.
Additionally, the IEBC would only announce presidential election results after receiving data from all 290 constituencies.
This move eliminates the practice of provisional announcements, which were previously allowed if remaining results were deemed inconsequential to the overall outcome.
Observers note that while the Bill attempts to address technical challenges such as discrepancies in transmitted results, it risks undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
Many believe that instead of abandoning live-streaming, the IEBC should work to improve the integrity of the electronic systems, ensuring reliability and consistency.
As Parliament prepares to deliberate further on the Bill, it faces mounting pressure from various stakeholders, including political leaders, activists, and the general public.
The decision will have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s electoral system, particularly as the nation seeks to strengthen its democratic processes in preparation for future elections.
Balancing transparency with procedural safeguards will be critical to maintaining public trust.
