The Ol Kalou by-elections now face postponement or cancellation altogether, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced, just days to the polling day.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking during the launch of the 2022 pre-election dispute resolution committee report, IEBC chairperson Erustus Ethekon said the commission could resort to postponing the polls following reports of serious breaches in the election code of conduct.

Ethekon cited violence that has been on the rise in the area, as well as voter bribery and even night campaigns, which are against IEBC guidelines and threaten the polls.

"If we find that the environment is not conducive enough for us to conclude the by-election in Ol Kalou, we will be left with no choice other than to take the unfortunate and drastic step of postponing the election. If that is not enough, we will cancel it altogether," Ethekon stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to the chairperson, the commission had received reports of voter bribery, gun violence and night campaigns, raising concerns over whether the election can be conducted in a free, fair and peaceful environment.

At the same time, the commission said it might also disqualify some of the candidates who are involved in the violence and the bribery claims.

“If we find any culpability or any breaches of the code of conduct, the proper remedies shall apply, including disqualifying some of those candidates, if not all of them, who are involved,” he added.

Ethekon said the commission would work with security agencies and other stakeholders to determine whether conditions on the ground are suitable for the exercise.

However, he maintained that cancellation of the election remains an option if the situation does not improve.

The warning comes amid intensified campaigns in Ol-Kalou, with the opposition and the government-backed candidates going around the constituency in efforts to win votes.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke