Inside bill seeking to block IEBC from livestreaming presidential results

This is according to the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to formalise the proposals submitted by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) on issues pertaining to electoral matters. 

Formed in 2023, NADCO was a bipartisan team formed following the political standoff between the opposition and the government. The Committee proposed several amendments to the Constitution. 

In the bill, it will no longer be a requirement for IEBC to livestream the results as announced at polling stations.

Currently, results are tallied at polling stations and published at the IEBC official site whereby Kenyans can access real-time results. 

In its place, presidential results shall be tallied, announced, declared and electronically transmitted before other elective positions. 

" The new section has omitted provisions providing for the requirement for IEBC to establish a mechanism for the live streaming of results as announced at polling stations to facilitate public information," the bill read in part. 

Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and his Minority counterpart Stewart Madzayo, the Bill is currently at the Committee of the Whole Stage at the Senate. 

The bill also proposed an audit of the register of voters by a reputable firm to ascertain the number of valid voters.

The IEBC will also be required to develop a complementary mechanism that identifies voters. 

In instances, where critical electoral information is required, the IEBC will provide the information within three days in case of a presidential elections and within seven days in the case of other elective positions. 

Parliament will also appoint an independent firm to carry out an evaluation of the electoral process after a general election is held if the bill is approved. 

"The evaluation shall include a review of the legal framework, processes and costs associated with the electoral process. The proposed new provisions require the preparation of a report for submission to Parliament within ninety days of the appointment of the independent firm," the bill read in part.