IEBC against proposal to include running mate photos on ballot papers
IEBC against the proposal to include photos of running mate on ballot papers, saying the move would be illegal.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has opposed the inclusion of running mates’ photos on presidential and governorship ballot papers.
The Commission rejected the claim that the running mates of presidential and gubernatorial candidates have an impact on the election of the major candidates in its response to a lawsuit brought by a city attorney, Mugambi Imanyara, asking to add photos of running mates on the ballot.
IEBC termed as unfounded a claim by Mugambi Imanyara, that photographs of all candidates who vie for elective positions on joint tickets play a major role in persuading voters.
“The notion being peddled by the petitioner that there is a need to include the photos of the deputies to persuade the voters is unfounded and honestly speaking, laughable. The petitioner has failed to show that the photographs of the deputies have any influence over a registered voter’s choice of candidate,” said the IEBC in a replying affidavit filed by its Director of legal services and public affairs Chrispine Owiye.
The Commission argued that the election rules and regulations do not allow the inclusion of photos of running mates but only those of the principal candidates.
It stated that the exclusion of the running mates’ photographs does not take away the voters’ constitutional right to vote.
The petitioner Mr. Imanyara, argued that the inclusion of the running-mate’s images will help voters make informed decisions on who they are voting for as president or governor.
However, IEBC said the argument is unfounded and is neither supported nor substantiated by any evidence nor data.
“The petitioner has failed to bring before this court any basis nor data to show how the photographs of deputies influence the voting choice.
In addition, the commission says the election date is so close, and if the orders are granted, they will have a huge burden on them.
“It is extremely critical that no hurdle or obstruction ought to be placed on the ability of the IEBC to follow the timetable as the inevitable consequence would be a deferral of the elections, which would portend serious consequences to the entire populace and place our country into a constitutional crisis.”
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