05 Mar 2023

 Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says there are no plans to introduce Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the upcoming elections.

A media release from IEC says the information, which appeared on the Gazette Newspaper of March 1 headlined; IEC hope on Parliament to introduce EVMs  is not true.

It says the article, which has triggered several enquiries from stakeholders, seems to suggest that IEC is working on amending electoral laws to accommodate the introduction and use of EVMs in the upcoming elections.

The commission reiterates that if EVMs are introduced in future, the implementation of the decision will certainly be preceded by appropriate stakeholder engagement activities as well as legal reforms.

It further says if the Electoral Amendment Bill 2023, Bill Number 3 of 2023 is the one bringing about speculations on the use of EVMs, the commission assures the public that the bill has got nothing to do with the EVMs.

The release states that the commission remains focused and committed to its constitutional imperative of delivering free, fair and credible elections and the management will do everything in its capacity to engage all stakeholders.  ENDS