IEBC warns politicians against hopping polling stations

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has urged voters in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election to leave polling stations immediately after casting their ballots, saying the move is necessary to maintain order and allow others to vote without disruption.

The commission also warned politicians, political party officials, State officers and public officers against moving from one polling station to another after voting, saying they are only allowed to cast their ballots at their designated polling stations.

In a statement issued as voting continued on Thursday, the electoral agency said voters should avoid lingering within polling stations or their immediate surroundings once they have voted.

"Voters are also reminded that once they have cast their vote, they are required to exit the polling station and its immediate precincts promptly to allow other voters to exercise their right and to maintain order and security," IEBC said.

"Politicians, political party officials, State officers, and public officers who are registered voters are entitled to vote only at their designated polling stations. They are not permitted to move from one polling station to another," it said.

The reminder came as residents of Ol Kalou turned out to elect a new Member of Parliament in the closely watched by-election.

IEBC also reiterated that every eligible voter appearing in the certified Register of Voters would be identified biometrically using the Kenya Integrated Elections Management System (KIEMS) kit before being allowed to vote.

The commission encouraged residents to participate peacefully in the exercise.

"To all voters in the Ol Kalou by-election: your participation matters. We encourage you to turn out in large numbers and peacefully exercise your democratic right and vote in your preferred candidate," the statement said.

It also reminded voters that those requiring assistance because of disability, illiteracy or other lawful reasons are entitled to be helped by a person of their choice.

However, IEBC said only one assistant is allowed, and no individual may assist more than one voter. The assistance must also be recorded, with the assistant marked in accordance with the law.

The commission further cautioned voters against photographing or recording marked ballot papers, saying the secrecy of the ballot is a constitutional right and a key principle of democratic elections.

Polling stations opened at 6 am and are scheduled to close at 5 pm. IEBC said any time lost during polling would be recovered, while all voters in the queue by the official closing time would still be allowed to cast their ballots.