A section of Makueni political leaders made their case on why the Independent and Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) needs to use both manual and electronic voter registers during the August General elections.
Led by Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo, the leaders said that manual and electronic voter registers should be used on August 9th to enhance the process and avoid technical issues that may arise from the use of electronic voter registration only.
Maanzo stated that using both means will ensure that the whole exercise is carried out in a free and fair manner and avoid compromising election results.
“In the whole world where technology is used, there must be a manual back up so that’s why we want to have the manual register and also the electronic one so that the two can be looked at how the people are voting. When such will not be used, there might be irregularities during the election process,” Maanzo stated.
Francis Mutuku Muso who is the Makueni Wiper Chair and Kilili/Kalamba ward MCA candidate echoed Maanzo’s remarks saying that there is no need to have general elections if manual and electronic voter registers will not be used.
“In our county sometimes there is a power blackout, I’m wondering when I hear the IEBC saying that they will use electronic gadgets only. It will pose a great challenge to some of the polling stations that may have a power outage. Here blackouts can go up to four hours and that’s why we need both methods to be used, every place should have a backup plan to ensure everything goes on smoothly.
Patrick Mbau Malika who is contesting for Makueni senatorial seat also pointed out that the manual register should be used together with the electronic, especially in remote areas.
“When elections results are being announced, the returning officers usually use a manual method by using written papers or reports from the polling stations thus it should be used alongside the electronic system in case it fails,” Malika stated.
This comes after ODM leader Raila Odinga urged the IEBC to use both methods while DP Ruto cautioned Raila not to decide on what method the IEBC should use because it is an independent body. The High court will next week rule on the issue.
