The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has called on Ugunja residents to turn out in greater numbers after Thursday’s by-election recorded low voter turnout in the early hours of the day.
IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat said despite voting starting well and progressing peacefully across all polling stations, the numbers remained lower than expected.
“Voter turnout is a bit low. We are urging people to come out and cast their ballots,” she said.
She added “Voting started well, it is progressing smoothly, and everything is peaceful. We believe it is still early, and as the day goes on, more people will come”.
She assured voters that adequate security had been deployed throughout the constituency, urging residents to take advantage of the calm environment and exercise their democratic right.
“We are happy everything is moving on smoothly and peace is maintained, and we urge them to continue that,” she added.
Voting is expected to run until 5pm as the constituency elects its next Member of Parliament.
Voting in the Ugunja constituency by-election kicked off smoothly on Thursday morning, with polling stations opening at 6am and residents turning out early before heading to work.
During the morning hours, several centres reported steady but manageable streams of voters, with most casting their ballots and leaving immediately, resulting in no queues in many locations.
At Sidindi polling centre, a voter who had just completed the process told The Star he was relieved by the quick turnout.
“I came here by 7am so that I can vote and go about my business,” he said.
“People are coming in, voting and leaving. This is good. I hope the process continues like this until the end.”
Elsewhere, voting started smoothly in most polling stations across Malava constituency on Thursday morning.
Turnout was initially low but is expected to improve as the day progresses.
DAP-K MP candidate Seth Panyako cast his vote at 6:00 am at St Joseph’s Lunyu Primary School in Manda Shivanga.
He was accompanied by DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Panyako alleged that the government was attempting to influence the election outcome through violence and ballot manipulation.
They further accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of failing to curb violence.
“These people are determined to use all means to steal this election, but the people of Kabras will not accept this,” Panyako claimed.
However, Constituency Returning Officer Salim Abdala earlier dismissed claims of widespread violence, saying there had been no official complaint filed with the commission.
He said the IEBC cannot act on unverified reports circulating in public.
