Muturi Proposes Election Reform to Give Candidates Direct Access to Poll Results

Former Public Service Minister and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has reignited the debate surrounding electoral transparency in Kenya, advocating for immediate access to presidential election results at the constituency level for all candidates. 

Muturi's proposal seeks to amend current election regulations, arguing that such a change would significantly bolster the integrity of the electoral process and mitigate potential malpractices during result transmission. During a recent interview, Muturi stressed the importance of providing candidates with direct copies of results from constituency returning officers. 

He asserted that early access would empower candidates to promptly verify their votes and address any discrepancies through their agents stationed at polling centres. According to Muturi, the national tallying centre's role should be confined to confirming whether a candidate meets the constitutional threshold of securing over 50 percent of the vote and at least 25 percent support in at least 24 counties.

Muturi's remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of Kenya’s electoral framework, particularly Section 39 of the Elections Act, which mandates the timely declaration and publication of poll results. This section also obliges constituency returning officers to transmit presidential results to the national tallying centre—a process often plagued by logistical challenges and public mistrust.

Furthermore, Muturi condemns political leaders who have made public allegations of election rigging, branding such statements as irresponsible and a violation of ethical standards. He calls for investigative action under the Leadership and Integrity Act, arguing that such claims undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.

While Muturi clarifies he has no direct knowledge of electoral tampering, he reiterates that polling station results should be considered final and transparent.