The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission on Thursday evening outlined the process of closing polling stations and counting ballots in the ongoing by-elections, emphasizing transparency and order as voting came to an end.
In a public update issued at the close of polling, the commission said voters who were already in line by 5 p.m. would still be allowed to cast their ballots even after the official closing time.
“At 5.00pm, the Presiding Officer formally closes the polling station. However, all voters who were already in the queue at 5:00 p.m. are allowed to vote,” IEBC said.
The commission added that strict measures are put in place to prevent additional voters from joining the line after the deadline.
“A police officer stands behind the last voter in the queue to mark the end of the line, and no additional voters join the queue,” the commission stated.
The explanation came as voting concluded in the by-elections for Member of the National Assembly in Emurua Dikirr Constituency and Member of County Assembly positions in Porro Ward and Endo Ward.
The by-elections were called following vacancies in the affected seats, in line with constitutional requirements that residents must continue to have representation in Parliament and county assemblies.
As polling stations closed, election officials immediately shifted attention to the counting and tallying process, which the commission said would be conducted openly at the polling stations.
“After the final voter has cast their ballot, the Presiding Officer in full view of agents, observers, and the media will open the ballot box, count the ballots, and tabulate the results at the polling station in an open and transparent process,” IEBC said.
The counting process is one of the most sensitive stages of any election in Kenya, often attracting intense scrutiny from political parties, observers and the public due to the country’s history of disputed election results.
Under Kenyan electoral law, counting is conducted at the polling station immediately after voting ends to minimize delays and reduce the risk of tampering with ballots. Party agents and accredited observers are allowed to witness the process and raise objections where necessary.
The IEBC’s emphasis on transparency comes amid continued pressure on the commission to rebuild public trust following previous electoral disputes and allegations of irregularities in past elections.
Security officers remained deployed around polling centres Thursday evening as counting began, with authorities seeking to maintain calm and prevent possible confrontations between rival political camps.
Political analysts say the outcome of the mini-polls could offer an early glimpse into shifting political loyalties ahead of the 2027 General Election, especially in areas where parties are battling to consolidate grassroots support.
Results from the three by-elections were expected to begin trickling in later Thursday night after completion of counting and transmission from polling stations.
