The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is considering introducing an online voting system for Kenyans living in the Diaspora.
This was revealed by the poll body's Chairman Wafula Chebukati who stated that plans were underway but certain logistics had to be done first.
He further added that the new system would cut down on election costs but security standards will have to be very high.
Chebukati also stated that the Commission will engage various stakeholders including Parliament, before rolling out the system.
[caption caption="Wafula Chebukati During His Visit to Nigeria"]
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IEBC Communication Manager Andrew Limo told Kenyans.co.ke that they are targeting the 2022 polls if enacted and a few changes to the electoral laws might be made.
Most Kenyans living abroad say they would like to vote by electronic means if given a chance to participate in elections.
A survey conducted for the Kenya Diaspora Alliance in January showed that as many as eight in every ten people polled want to cast their ballots over the internet, in what could challenge Kenya’s future laws on voting.
Currently, voting is manual and Kenyan voters are required to cast their ballots in person.
The study conducted by researchers from the University of North Carolina (US) between March 25, 2016, and December 5, 2016, shows that there is a strong interest by the diaspora in Kenyan politics mainly because they want to take part in electing their leaders as well as fulfilling their democratic duties.
“For the diaspora, it (electronic voting) may be the only practical way for them to participate,” stated Dr Shem Ochuodho, the Global Chairman of the Alliance, in Nairobi during the launch of the report.
[caption caption="IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba and chairman Wafula Chebukati"]
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