Elections offences act prohibits sharing photos of marked ballot papers.
This after Kenyans started sharing photos of marked ballot papers online, showing the candidates they have voted for. IEBC warned voters that such acts are unacceptable and are punishable by law. “Voters are warned that violating secrecy of the ballot through sharing of photos of marked ballot papers is punishable by law,” wrote IEBC on Twitter. The caution lies under dictates enshrined in the Election Offenses Act of 2016, which prohibits voters against disclosing information related to election proceedings.
Voters found culpable are likely to face a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both. “Capturing an image of any marked ballot for purposes of financial gain or for showing allegiance, commits an offence and is liable on conviction,” reads part of the act. “Communication before the poll is closed, or information obtained at those proceedings as to any official perforation, stamp or mark to be used in connection with any paper” shall also be considered a violation. The Election Act further warns that receipt numbers of ballot papers should not be shared.
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