IEBC urges Ugunja residents to vote as early turnout remains low
Voter turnout in Ugunja Constituency remained low in the early hours of Thursday’s by-election, prompting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to urge residents to head to polling stations and exercise their democratic right.
IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat said that while voting began on time and proceeded smoothly across all centres, the number of voters was below expectations.
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“Voter turnout is a bit low. We are urging people to come out and cast their ballots,” she said, adding, “Voting started well, it is progressing smoothly, and everything is peaceful. We believe it is still early, and as the day goes on, more people will come.”
She assured voters that adequate security had been deployed throughout the constituency and urged them to take advantage of the calm environment to vote.
“We are happy everything is moving on smoothly, and peace is maintained, and we urge them to continue that,” she added.
Polling stations opened at 6 am, with early voters arriving before heading to work. Several centres reported steady flows of residents casting their ballots and leaving promptly, leaving many stations without long queues.
Elsewhere, voting in neighbouring Malava Constituency also began without disruption, although initial turnout was reported as low.
DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako cast his vote at St Joseph’s Lunyu Primary School in Manda Shivanga at 6 am, accompanied by party leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Following the vote, Panyako raised concerns over possible government interference in the election, alleging the use of violence and attempts to manipulate ballots.
“These people are determined to use all means to steal this election, but the people of Kabras will not accept this,” Panyako said, further accusing the IEBC of failing to prevent election-related violence.
Constituency Returning Officer Salim Abdala, however, dismissed claims of widespread unrest, noting that no official complaints had been filed.
He emphasised that the commission cannot act on unverified reports circulating publicly.
The IEBC reiterated its commitment to holding a free, fair, and credible election.
Speaking from the tallying centre at Ambira High School, Araphat said, “We have done all the preparations to ensure that the elections will be free, fair and credible, and we urge registered voters to come out and vote without fear.”
She added that security personnel would be stationed at all 116 polling centres, tallying stations, and across the county to protect voters and election officials.
Araphat also appealed to residents to safeguard peace and unity during the voting process.
Voting is set to continue until 5 pm, as Ugunja elects its next Member of Parliament.
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