ELOG flags reported vote buying ahead of Ol Kalou poll

The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has raised concerns over reported voter inducement and campaign malpractice ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, urging authorities to investigate the claims and protect the integrity of Thursday's poll.

Speaking during the release of the group's pre-election observation findings, ELOG chairperson Victor Nyongesa said long-term observers deployed across the constituency had documented incidents that, according to the organisation, could undermine the credibility of the election.

ELOG said observer reports indicated that cash and other incentives were reportedly distributed to voters during the campaign period.

"Our report notes that there was vote buying and distribution of cash and material incentives across the constituency," Nyongesa said.

He said observer reports linked the reported activities to actors from nearly all participating political parties.

Nyongesa said the reported inducements included cash ranging from Sh200 to more than Sh5,000, alongside household items.

According to ELOG, one of the practices reported by its observers involved groups of three people receiving Sh1,000, an arrangement locally referred to as "330 meetings."

"The recipients of these included women, youth and persons with disabilities," Nyongesa said.

Despite the concerns, ELOG said its findings also pointed to progress in election preparations by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The organisation said 92 per cent of its observers reported that election officials had undergone training ahead of polling day, while 45 per cent confirmed that voter education activities were ongoing across the constituency.

However, ELOG said the reported incidents of voter inducement risked undermining public confidence in the electoral process if left unaddressed.

The observer group called on relevant agencies to investigate the reported incidents and ensure any breaches of electoral laws are addressed in accordance with the law.

ELOG said credible elections depend not only on proper administrative preparations but also on campaigns conducted in line with the Constitution and electoral regulations.

The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election is scheduled for Thursday, with voters expected to elect a new Member of Parliament.

The poll has attracted candidates from several political parties and independent contenders, making it one of the more closely watched by-elections in recent months.

ELOG has deployed long-term observers to monitor the pre-election environment and is expected to continue observing polling, counting and tallying before issuing further updates on the conduct of the election.