Claims that Parliament had banned the livestreaming of election results for the 2027 general election circulated widely this week. The reports followed the National Assembly’s passage of the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024.
The National Assembly issued a clarification stating that the requirement for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to establish a mechanism for live-streaming results remains intact under Section 39(1G) of the Elections Act. Lawmakers said they deleted Clause 22 of the Bill, which had proposed changes to Section 39, thereby retaining the existing legal framework. The decision followed a High Court judgment that upheld the relevant provisions.
Opposition leaders rejected any move that could limit real-time public access to results announced at polling stations. They described livestreaming as essential for transparency and stated that it is non-negotiable ahead of the August 2027 polls. Figures including People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and others warned that reducing public visibility of the transmission process would undermine confidence in the election.
The debate centres on how results are determined, transmitted and declared. Results announced at polling stations remain final under current law. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is still required to determine, declare and publish those results promptly. The disputed point is the specific legal obligation to livestream the announcements as they occur.
The Bill now returns to the Senate for further consideration. Public and political attention on the transmission rules continues as preparations for the 2027 election advance.