IEBC Warns Against ‘Super Agents’ in Polling Stations

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a stern warning against the presence of so-called “super agents” in polling stations and tallying centres, insisting that only accredited party and candidate representatives recognized under the law will be allowed to participate in the electoral process.

In a public advisory issued during the ongoing voting exercise, the Commission clarified that every participating political party or candidate is entitled to only one agent at each polling station and only one chief agent at a tallying centre.

IEBC emphasized that Kenya’s electoral laws do not provide for the deployment of “super agents” or any other unauthorized individuals to oversee voting or tallying activities.

“There is no provision in law for super agents or any unauthorized persons to operate within polling or tallying centres,” the Commission said.

The clarification comes amid heightened political tensions and increased scrutiny of the electoral process, with political parties keen to safeguard their interests during voting and vote tallying exercises.

The electoral body also reiterated strict rules governing conduct inside polling stations, warning that individuals wearing party-branded clothing, badges, campaign symbols or any other materials signifying support for a political party or candidate will not be allowed entry.

According to the Commission, the restrictions are intended to preserve the neutrality of polling stations and protect voters from intimidation, undue influence or political campaigning within voting premises.

Election observers note that disputes involving party agents and unauthorized persons have in previous elections contributed to tensions and delays in some polling stations and tallying centres, making clear accreditation rules critical to maintaining order and public confidence in the electoral process.

IEBC has urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to comply fully with electoral laws and regulations to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible election.

The Commission further encouraged members of the public to rely on official IEBC communication channels for accurate, timely and verified election information in order to avoid misinformation and speculation during the voting and tallying process.

Read More on Newsline Kenya

• Read More: How IEBC Plans to Secure the By-Elections

• Read More: Understanding the Roles and Limitations of Party Agents in Kenya’s Elections