IEBC condemns Ol Kalou poll violence, vows action against perpetrators

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has condemned acts of violence, intimidation and disruption reported in isolated parts of Ol Kalou Constituency during Thursday's parliamentary by-election.

In a status update issued after the close of polling, the commission said those responsible will face action.

IEBC said elections are a democratic exercise and warned that no individual or group has the right to undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

"The Commission firmly condemns all acts of violence, intimidation, or disruption reported in isolated areas during the voting process. Elections are a democratic exercise, and no individual or group has the right to compromise the peace, safety, or integrity of the process," IEBC said.

The commission said it was working closely with security agencies to ensure those behind the incidents are brought to book and calm restored where disturbances were reported.

"We are working closely with security agencies to ensure swift action against any perpetrators and to restore calm where disturbances have occurred," the commission said, while urging candidates, supporters and political actors to uphold peaceful participation and respect the rule of law.

The statement follows isolated incidents reported during the by-election, including unrest outside Ol Kalou Comprehensive School polling station, where violence disrupted the voting process for a short period before normalcy was restored.

The electoral agency, however, said the exercise had generally progressed well, commending voters for turning out in large numbers and noting that minimal incidents had been reported and addressed.

According to the commission, voter turnout had reached 50.78 per cent of registered voters by 3pm, up from 38.2 per cent recorded at 1pm.

IEBC said voting had closed in the majority of polling stations, with counting underway.

It added that in polling stations where voting started late because of unforeseen circumstances, the lost time would be compensated before the exercise was concluded.

The commission reiterated that counting would be conducted openly at each polling station in the presence of candidates' agents, observers and the media.

To enhance transparency, agents are allowed to photograph the official results forms, while copies of the forms will be displayed at polling stations for public viewing after counting.

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

IEBC further reminded political parties and candidates that only accredited persons are allowed into tallying centres and urged leaders to refrain from actions that could disrupt the tallying and declaration of results.

The commission said any disputes arising from the election should be resolved through the courts, adding that results would be available on its official online results portal.