By-elections campaigns to run from October 8, IEBC confirms

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has outlined the official timelines and regulations for the upcoming by-elections scheduled for November 27.

Commission chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the campaign period will begin on October 8 and end on November 24, two days before voting.

“The campaign time will run from 7 am until 6 pm, during the campaign period,” Ethekon said.

The chairperson also instructed independent candidates to submit the names of their election agents at least 14 days before the by-elections. He explained that this will give sufficient time for processing details and training the agents to ensure smooth participation.

A total of 23 by-elections will be held, including six National Assembly seats, one Senate seat, and 16 County Assembly positions. The vacancies arose due to deaths and appointments to other roles.

The commission said the scheduling followed Article 259 of the Constitution, which guides action when constitutional timelines have lapsed, noting that all by-elections, particularly for parliamentary seats, had exceeded the required timelines.

Ethekon emphasized that all political parties, candidates, and participants must comply with the Electoral Code of Conduct, which will be enforced from the date the by-election notices were published until the swearing-in of the elected officials.

“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 assured Kenyans that all necessary logistical and legal measures are being put in place to guarantee a free, fair, and credible by-election process. Strict adherence to the code, Ethekon stressed, is essential to ensure peaceful elections.