Candidates and political parties are set for intense campaigns after the electoral agency announced key timelines for the November 27 by-elections.
In a notice issued by IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon, the official campaign period for the by-elections planned for November 27 will start in October 8 and end on November 24 – 48 hours before the voting day.
“The campaign time will run from 7 am to 6 pm,” Ethekon said.
The polls are being viewed as a litmus test ahead of the 2027 general election, with 24 by-elections scheduled across the country.
In total, there will be 23 by-elections: six National Assembly seats, one Senate seat and 16 MCA positions. Most of the vacancies arose from deaths, resignations and appointments to other offices
The polls will be conducted at Angata Nanyokie ward in Samburu county, Chemundu/Kapng’etuny ward in Nandi county, Chewani ward (Tana River) and Fafi ward (Garissa county).
Kariobangi North ward in Nairobi county, Kisa East ward (Kakamega), Metkei ward (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Mumbuni North ward in Machakos county.
Others are Narok Town ward in Narok county, Purko ward in (Kajiado), Tembelio ward (Uasin Gishu), Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya and Ekerenyo wards in Nyamira county, Lake Zone and Nanaam wards in Turkana county.
The remaining electoral units will include six MP seats in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North and Ugunja, one Senate seat in Baringo and one MCA seat in Kabuchai/Chwele ward, Bungoma county.
On submission of agents, the chairperson directed independent candidates to submit the names of their agents at least 14 days before the by-election date.
This requirement, Ethekon stated, will allow adequate time for processing of details and training of the agents to ensure smooth participation in the electoral process.
In setting the date for the by-elections, the commission said it was guided by Article 259, which guides whenever constitutional timelines have passed.
It said all by-elections, especially for MPs, had passed the set timelines.
On compliance, Ethekon said all political parties, candidates and persons involved in the elections must adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct.
The code will be enforced from the date of publication of the by-election notices until the swearing-in of elected candidates.
“Every political party, candidate and person who will participate in the election shall subscribe to and observe the Electoral Code of Conduct set out in the Second Schedule to the Elections Act, 2011,” the notice dated September 3 reads.
The commission stated that strict adherence to the code is key to ensuring peaceful, transparent and credible elections.
The commission has assured the public that necessary logistical and legal frameworks are being put in place to guarantee a free and fair by-election exercise.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon had earlier announced that the Commission had begun preparations for the pending by-elections across the country. Ethekon added that the agency is updating the voter register to ensure readiness to fill the 23 vacant seats, including one senatorial, six parliamentary, and 16 ward representative positions. The chairperson acknowledged that delays in reconstituting the commission had slowed electoral processes. He, however, affirmed that IEBC is now fully operational and working with urgency to meet constitutional timelines.
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