Kenya's 2022 Election: The Controversy of Parallel Tallying Centers

Kenya's 2022 Election: Parallel Tallying Centers and the Fight for Transparency Kenya's 2022 general elections were marked by significant controversy, particularly concerning the establishment of parallel tallying centers by various political parties. This practice raised concerns about transparency and the potential for manipulation of election results. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was responsible for the official tally, but parties like UDA and Kenya Kwanza set up their own independent tallying centers. Political analyst Danstan Omari commented on this situation, stating, "There was an attempt to set up a tallying center that was independent of the IBC." This highlights the lack of trust among some political players in the official process. The establishment of these parallel centers created tension and uncertainty during the election period, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process. Despite the concerns, the election proceeded, and the results were eventually accepted. The existence of parallel tallying centers, however, remains a subject of debate and raises important questions about electoral reform and building trust in the electoral system in Kenya. Moving forward, ensuring transparency and trust in the electoral process will be crucial for maintaining stability and democracy in the country.