IEBC Says Ol Kalou By-Election Proceeding Smoothly

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has said the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election is progressing smoothly, with most polling stations opening on time and voter turnout reaching 38.2 per cent by 1pm.

In a status update issued on Thursday, the electoral commission said the by-election to fill the vacant Ol Kalou Constituency Member of the National Assembly seat had largely proceeded as planned.

“Most of the polling stations opened at 6.00 a.m.,” the commission said, while thanking voters who turned up early despite the cold weather to cast their ballots.

IEBC urged eligible voters who had not yet voted to make their way to polling stations before the close of voting.

The commission added that in polling stations where voting may have started late or been interrupted, the Presiding Officer would extend voting hours by the amount of time lost to ensure all eligible voters have an opportunity to cast their ballots.

On election technology, IEBC said all eligible voters in the certified Register of Voters were being successfully identified using the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kits.

The commission also issued a reminder on access to polling stations and tallying centres, warning that there is no legal provision for “super agents” or any unauthorised persons—including political party leaders—to operate within polling or tallying centres.

It further clarified that state officers and public officers who are registered voters are only allowed to vote at their designated polling stations and are not permitted to move from one polling station to another.

Voters were also reminded to leave polling stations immediately after casting their ballots to allow others to vote and to help maintain order and security.

IEBC said vote counting would begin immediately after polling closes at 5.00 p.m., with Presiding Officers opening ballot boxes in the presence of party agents, observers and the media.

To enhance transparency, the commission said agents would be allowed to photograph the official results forms, while copies of the forms would be displayed publicly at each polling station.

Returning Officers will then receive results from all polling stations, verify and collate the constituency results before declaring the winner in the presence of accredited agents and stakeholders.

The commission also reminded stakeholders that only accredited persons with the appropriate identification and badges would be allowed access to tallying centres.

IEBC commended voters, election officials and security agencies for their professionalism, cooperation and commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the electoral process, while encouraging continued peaceful participation until the conclusion of the by-election.

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