IEBC affirms readiness for Thursday's by-elections

By Newsflash Writer

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that it is fully prepared to conduct Thursday’s by-elections across 22 electoral areas, assuring voters, political actors, and observers of a transparent, secure, and well-coordinated process.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the Commission confirmed that all critical logistical and operational arrangements had been finalized, including the dispatch of polling materials, deployment of trained officials, and activation of security protocols.

According to IEBC, polling stations will open at exactly 6:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. However, the Commission emphasized that voters who will already be in the queue by 5:00 p.m. will be allowed to cast their ballots, ensuring no eligible voter is locked out due to procedural delays. The assurance comes as the electoral body seeks to enhance public confidence in a by-election cycle that spans counties with diverse political dynamics and heightened contestation.

Biometric identification and ballot secrecy

A key highlight in IEBC’s final briefing is its emphasis on the integrity of the voter identification process. The Commission confirmed that all eligible voters will be biometrically identified using the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS), relying on the certified 2022 Register of Voters. The register has been displayed at every polling station for public verification, reinforcing transparency and accessibility.

To maintain ballot secrecy, IEBC banned the taking of photographs of marked ballot papers inside polling stations. The Commission warned that any violation of this rule constitutes a punishable offence.

However, it clarified that agents will be free to photograph certified result forms after counting—an important step designed to foster trust and clarity on the outcome of the process.

The Commission also addressed conduct expectations for political party agents, observers, and members of the media. Presiding Officers, IEBC said, will retain full authority over polling stations, and stakeholders are expected to cooperate without interfering in the voting or counting process. Any complaints must be raised respectfully and supported with evidence.

Tallying and security measures

IEBC has reinforced the sanctity of the tallying centers, noting that only accredited persons with proper identification will be granted access. Even senior political leaders wishing to observe the process have been urged to maintain decorum and avoid any actions that may disrupt tallying and the timely announcement of results.

After polls close at 5:00 p.m., the Presiding Officer will conduct the counting process in full view of agents, observers, and the media. Result forms will not only be available for agents to photograph but will also be publicly displayed at each polling station before being transmitted to constituency tallying centers.

Returning Officers will then verify, collate, and announce constituency-level results before declaring winners. Any disputes arising from the process must be addressed through the courts, the Commission reminded all participants. Voters will also be able to access the results through the Commission’s online portal, ensuring real-time public visibility of the numbers as they come in. Security remains a major focus for Thursday’s exercise.

IEBC noted that, in collaboration with the National Police Service, adequate security personnel had been deployed to all polling stations, tallying centers, and critical locations in the 22 areas holding by-elections. Each polling station will have no fewer than two officers, complemented by additional patrol and rapid-response teams. The Commission has assured voters of a peaceful environment and encouraged the reporting of any suspicious incidents through official security channels.

Call for peace, integrity, and high voter turnout

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon urged all polling officials to uphold integrity and adhere strictly to the Electoral Code of Conduct, warning that any violations would attract firm action. He also appealed to the media to provide accurate and balanced coverage to promote credibility and safeguard public trust.

The Commission encouraged eligible voters in the 22 areas to turn out in large numbers and peacefully exercise their democratic right.

It further appealed for calm not only during polling and counting, but also after the final declaration of results.

Reaffirming its commitment, IEBC stated that the Thursday by-elections would be conducted in full respect of Article 1 of the Constitution of Kenya, which vests sovereign power in the people.