•For now, IEBC cannot register voters as the registration window must be closed six months before the General elections.
•For one to qualify to be a voter, he or she must be at least 18-years-old.
Voting is a pillar of democracy.
With everyone eagerly waiting for the general elections set to be held on August 9, Kenyans have a lot to keep abreast with regarding the polls.
For now, IEBC cannot register voters as the registration window must be closed six months before general elections.
The Kenyan constitution stipulates that in order for one to qualify to vote, he or she must be a registered voter.
One has to be at least 18-year-old to be registered as a voter.
Other conditions include, that he or she must be of sound mind and has not been convicted of an election offence during the preceding five years or guilty of election malpractice.
Prisoners are eligible to vote for the presidential candidate only. They first took part in an election in the 2017 General Elections.
A registered voter is allowed to vote in a specific polling centre he or she chooses.
What to know about the voting day:
- Ensure you carry your original National Identity document (ID) or passport as you will be required to present it physically to the IEBC officials. A waiting card is not allowed.
- Voting happens from 6 am to 5 pm on the voting day. Officials only close the voting exercise once those who were in the queue by 5 pm cast their votes.
- Depending on your polling station location, you can choose to go between the designated hours.
- Remember to carry a bottle of water or two and snacks in case you get hungry while queuing.
- Carry warm clothing, an umbrella, or something light, depending on the weather of the location.
- Be there on time, as poll officials will ensure that you cannot 'cut' lines.
- Washrooms are not guaranteed. One should make personal arrangements.
- To check your voter registration status online, your full name, address, date, and place of birth will be required.
IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati said Kenyans in South Sudan, the US, the UK, Canada, Qatar, and the UAE will be allowed to vote in the August 9, polls.
During the 2017 general election, Kenyans living in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Africa were allowed to cast their ballots.