IEBC Issues Tough New Access Rules as Vote Counting Enters Crucial Stage
As the by-election process enters its most sensitive and highly scrutinized phase, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a firm directive outlining who will be allowed access to polling stations during the counting of votes and to tallying centres during the crucial verification and declaration stages. The Commission emphasized strict adherence to the Elections Act, 2011, alongside Regulations 62, 63, 67, 79, 83, and 87, underscoring that only specific accredited individuals will be permitted within these protected zones.
According to the IEBC, access to these areas will be tightly controlled to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. Only IEBC officials on duty, accredited party and candidate agents, duly accredited observers, assigned security personnel, and accredited media representatives will be allowed inside. The Commission reiterated that tallying centres are protected spaces under the law, making unauthorized access strictly prohibited.
The announcement comes at a critical moment when the nation’s attention is fixed on the final tallying of votes. The Commission highlighted that these measures are not only legal requirements but essential protections designed to prevent interference, disruptions, or attempts to compromise the accuracy of vote counting and results verification.
In a strongly worded statement, IEBC also called upon all security officers involved in the by-election—those specifically assigned to IEBC duties and those deployed more broadly—to maintain the highest level of vigilance. Security personnel have been urged to remain alert, responsive, and prepared to act promptly in the event of any signs of violence, lawlessness, or disturbances during the counting and tallying phases.
The Commission noted that the period immediately following the close of polling is historically sensitive, with emotions high and political tensions at their peak. For this reason, proactive policing and firm enforcement of regulations are essential to ensure a peaceful environment in which votes can be counted without intimidation or interference. According to IEBC, the presence of security officers is not merely ceremonial; they are a crucial pillar in safeguarding democracy.
Despite a few isolated incidents during voting, the Commission praised Kenyans for demonstrating maturity, patience, and peace throughout the polling period. This commendation reflects the overall orderly conduct observed in most voting stations across the affected regions. IEBC expressed gratitude to citizens who showed respect for the electoral process by queuing peacefully, following instructions from officials, and leaving stations calmly after casting their ballots.
Looking ahead, IEBC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to concluding the electoral process in full accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Kenya. The Commission assured the public that transparency, accuracy, and accountability remain at the core of its operations as it moves toward announcing the final results.
As tallying progresses, Kenyans are expected to remain watchful yet calm, trusting the legally mandated procedures and the safeguards put in place to deliver a credible outcome. With strict access rules, high alert security deployment, and clear adherence to the law, IEBC insists that the integrity of the election remains fully protected.
The country now awaits the final declaration of results, hopeful that the Commission’s structured approach will ensure a peaceful and transparent conclusion to the by-election process.
