#ElectionsKE :  Main Reason IEBC Blocked Kenyans from Taking Selfies at Polling Stations

With the new age of Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp Status, Snapchat etc, everyone always feels the urge to update the world on where they are and what they are doing or just accomplished.

Kenyans will, however, not have the luxury of doing this on August 8 as the country holds the General Election.

Making the announcement on Thursday, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) warned voters against taking photos inside polling stations.

play

The electoral body also stated that making phone calls is prohibited in the designated areas.

This is Why

IEBC highlighted that the regulation is met to protect the rights of other voters at the polling station.

"This is only meant to preserve the right of all voter to secrecy of ballot as per the law. #SelfiesAFTERVoting," IEBC tweeted.

Nonetheless, the Commission added that those wanting to take photos can do so once outside the polling station.

play NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga takes selfie with Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Senator Hassan Omar, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula and Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba (Twitter)

“The only request we are making is that you do not take photos or make calls within the polling station as a voter.

“You may take all the #SelfiesAFTERVoting you want and make your calls freely, outside of the polling station,” IEBC said.

IEBC further indicated that Kenyans are allowed to carry their mobile phones to the polling stations.