The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has dismissed reports alleging that it intends to ban the live streaming of election results, insisting that no such proposal has been made and reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the commission was surprised by media reports suggesting it had proposed restricting live broadcasts of election results. He termed the claims false and assured Kenyans that the commission has not discussed or submitted any proposal to limit media coverage of the electoral process.
“We woke up to headlines claiming that IEBC has made proposals to stop live streaming of election results. I want to assure the people of Kenya that there is nothing like that whatsoever,” Ethekon said.
Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency
Ethekon emphasized that transparency remains one of the commission’s guiding principles and that the IEBC has no intention of introducing measures that would undermine public confidence in elections.
He said the commission would be the last institution to propose restrictions on the media’s ability to monitor or report on election activities, including the live transmission of vote tallying and other electoral processes.
“The commission stands for transparency and accountability. We will be the last people to make any decision or any proposals that would stifle the freedom of the media to check what we are doing, including live streaming of election processes,” he said.
The remarks come amid widespread discussion on social media following reports claiming that the IEBC had recommended changes that would limit the live broadcast of election results.
No Proposal Submitted to Parliament
IEBC chairperson categorically denied that the commission had submitted any proposal to Parliament seeking to prohibit or regulate live streaming during elections.
He challenged the source of the reports, questioning where the claims had originated, and reiterated that the commission has neither made such a decision nor initiated any discussions on the matter.
Ethekon said maintaining public trust is central to the commission’s mandate and assured Kenyans that the electoral body remains committed to conducting credible, transparent, and accountable elections.
