The Electoral Commission has outlined clear guidelines to help voters smoothly and confidently participate in the polling exercise scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and on other polling days. Voting is a fundamental democratic right, and every eligible citizen is encouraged to take part and shape the future of their leadership and country.According to the Electoral Commission, voters are required to go to the polling station where they are officially registered.
Polling stations will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m., so voters are advised to arrive early to avoid long queues or missing the opportunity to vote. Each voter should carry a National ID or a Voter Location Slip. In case a voter does not have any of these documents, the Presiding Officer will assist in confirming their details using the National Voters Register.Once at the polling station, the voter’s identity will be verified using a Biometric Voter Verification machine.
This process involves scanning fingerprints or facial features to ensure that only eligible and registered voters participate. After successful verification, the Presiding Officer will scan and issue the ballot papers for the different elective positions.Voters will then proceed to the voting basin, where they will privately mark the candidate of their choice for each position using either a tick or a thumbprint, as guided.
After voting, the ballot paper should be folded correctly and placed into the designated ballot box for that specific elective position.Before leaving the polling station, a Polling Assistant will mark the voter’s finger with ink to confirm that they have voted. The Electoral Commission reminds all citizens that voting is both a right and a civic duty. Voters are urged to remain calm, follow instructions, and participate peacefully. By turning up to vote, every citizen plays a role in strengthening democracy.#MyVoteMyVoice
