Petition Tabled to Allow Candidates to Use Nicknames on Kenya Ballot Papers

A new petition for ballot papers has been presented to Parliament in an effort to bring back a plan that would permit candidates to put their nicknames on the paper, which would help voters not get confused before the 2027 General Election.

The petition, by Wajir resident Mohamed Alasow, called on Parliament to resuscitate and pass the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which proposed to allow candidates to use their popularly known names on the ballot paper.

As stated in the petition, a great number of Kenyans seem to know their politicians more by their popular names than by the names given to them by law.

This has affected voters as it becomes hard for them to find their respective candidates during elections.

“The move would reduce voter confusion ahead of the 2027 General Election,” Alasow states in the petition, stating that the existing ballot paper structure puts voters who are more used to the popular names of candidates at a disadvantage.

Also Read: Big Win for Government as Supreme Court Backs Kenya-Japan Tax Deal

Voter Identification and Electoral Accessibility

The petition has been received by the Senate, the Speaker Amason Kingi having referred it to the Senate Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee for consideration.

The committee has 60 calendar days to consider the petition and table a report before the Senate.

Alasow contends that the system as it now exists takes a toll on voters from disadvantaged and rural areas who are very familiar with the candidates by the shortened names they have gotten used to calling each other by.

He suggests that it will enhance voters’ ability to identify themselves, facilitate registration, and minimize errors when voting by permitting the use of familiar names-without compromising the integrity of the electoral process.

Also Read: KDF Strengthens Ebola Preparedness After Laikipia Quarantine Reports Involving Seven Americans

The Ballot Paper’s Appearance: Formal Names vs. Nicknames

Lawmaker wants to reintroduce the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which attempted some Constitutional change but never made it through to becoming a law.

The committee will recommend that the proposal be sent to the Senate for consideration.

If accepted, it would, as a result of the amendment, potentially alter the way in which ballot papers look in future elections.

This is due to candidates being able to include both their formal names and common nicknames with the approval of Parliament.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates.

Fresh Push to Let Candidates Use Nicknames on Kenya Ballot Papers. Credits IEBC