The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has dismissed circulating claims of ballot stuffing during Thursday’s by-elections, terming them misleading and factually incorrect.
In a statement on Thursday, the Commission said its ballot management systems and polling procedures make ballot stuffing practically impossible, noting that all voting activities take place under strict supervision.
“Circulating allegations of ballot stuffing are misleading and inaccurate,” the IEBC said.
“Our ballot management procedures make such claims practically impossible. Voting is conducted in the full presence of agents, observers and the media.”
According to the Commission, each ballot paper used in the election contains multiple security features designed to prevent reproduction or manipulation.
These safeguards, it said, ensure the integrity of every ballot issued and cast.
The IEBC urged members of the public to rely only on verified information from official channels and to ignore rumours or false claims that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
“We urge the public to rely on verified information from the Commission and reject falsehoods meant to undermine the electoral process,” the statement added.
The Commission further appealed for calm and patience as counting and verification continue in various tallying centres across the country.
“Let’s uphold peace, trust the process, and strengthen our democracy,” the IEBC said.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to delivering a transparent and credible electoral exercise, warning that deliberate misinformation poses a risk to public trust and national stability.
The clarification follows various claims by leaders, especially those allied to the opposition that the IEBC was colluding with the state to favour their candidates.
Others have also alleged state-sponsored violence in order to rig.
“Last night, State instigated violence has been unleashed on our Malava Constituency candidate @PanyakoSeth, members of his family, staff of his Down Hill restaurant and residents of Malava constituency!” DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa wrote on his X account.
Earlier on Thursday, IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon said the commission was working closely with security agencies to address disturbances and ensure order is restored swiftly in areas where incidents were recorded.
“I firmly condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, or disruption reported in isolated areas during the voting process,” Ethekon said.
“Elections are a democratic exercise, and no individual or group has the right to compromise the peace, safety, or integrity of the process.”
He stressed that those responsible for interference would face consequences, noting that security teams had already been deployed to respond to cases flagged by election officials and observers.
