Why Ol Kalou by-election could be postponed

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned that the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election could be postponed if escalating violence and breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct continue.

Speaking during the launch of the 2022 Pre-Election Dispute Resolution Committee Report and Case Digest, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the Commission had received disturbing reports from Ol Kalou, including violent confrontations between rival supporters, late-night campaigns, destruction of campaign materials, allegations of voter bribery and the mobilisation of gangs.

Ethekon said although elections are competitive and political disputes are inevitable, candidates and their supporters must conduct themselves within the Constitution and electoral laws.

"All candidates who were cleared by the Commission signed the Electoral Code of Conduct. Our expectation is that they will comply with the constitutional requirement that elections must be free from violence, intimidation, improper influence and corruption," he said.

He said reports from the Commission's officials on the ground indicate that rival supporters have engaged in running battles, physical confrontations and destruction of campaign posters.

Ethekon confirmed that one person had died following one of the confrontations, describing the incident as unfortunate.

He also expressed concern over misinformation circulating on social media, saying some political leaders were spreading false information capable of misleading voters.

Ethekon said the Commission had dispatched investigators to Ol Kalou to verify the allegations and gather evidence.

Their findings will be submitted to the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, which has powers to summon candidates and other individuals found to have violated electoral laws.

"We will be firm in enforcing the Code of Conduct. Those found culpable will face the sanctions provided for under the law," he said.

Ethekon warned that if the security situation is found to be unconducive for a free, fair and credible election, the Commission will have no option but to postpone the by-election.

"If we find that the environment is not conducive enough for us to conduct the election, we shall be left with no choice but to postpone the election. That would be a very sad day for the residents of Ol Kalou because they would lose the opportunity to elect their representative," he said.

He noted that the Commission had already completed most of the logistical preparations  for the by-election, with ballot papers delivered, election materials deployed and officials trained.

"We are fully prepared to conduct a free, fair and transparent election, but there must be peace," Ethekon said.

He urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and other security agencies to investigate all reported electoral offences and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Ethekon also revealed that IEBC officials held a four-hour meeting on Tuesday with candidates, their agents and security officers in Ol Kalou to agree on measures to improve security ahead of polling day.

Despite the meeting, he said fresh incidents of violence were reported later that evening.

"We need to restore sanity in our electoral processes. We are determined to ensure that the people of Ol Kalou exercise their democratic right in a peaceful, free and credible election," Ethekon noted.