The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has detailed how votes will be counted and results declared following the close of polling in the #OlKalou parliamentary by-election.
According to the commission, vote counting begins immediately after polling stations close at 5pm. Presiding officers are required to open ballot boxes, count ballots and tabulate results at each polling station in the presence of party agents, election observers and the media to ensure transparency.
To strengthen public confidence in the process, party agents will be allowed to photograph the official results forms before they are transmitted. Copies of the completed forms will also be displayed at polling stations for public scrutiny.
The IEBC said Returning Officers will receive results from presiding officers, verify and collate them before announcing the final constituency results and officially declaring the winner. The process will take place in the presence of accredited agents and observers.
The commission also warned that only authorised and accredited individuals will be allowed inside polling stations and tallying centres during vote counting and result declaration. It emphasised that Kenya’s election laws do not recognise the role of “super agents” or other unauthorised persons, including political party leaders, within these restricted areas.
While acknowledging that senior political leaders may wish to witness the tallying process, the #IEBC urged them to cooperate with election officials and security personnel and avoid any actions that could disrupt or delay the announcement of results.
The Ol Kalou by-election has attracted national attention, with the main contest expected between UDA candidate Samuel Nyagah and DCP candidate Kamau Ngotho. The race follows an intense campaign period marked by allegations of violence, voter bribery and intimidation, making the outcome one of the most closely watched electoral contests in the country.