The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed that preparations for Thursday, November 27, by-elections are complete.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 26, IEBC Chair Erastus Edung Ethekon said the commission has finalised all arrangements, adding that polling is scheduled to start at 6:00 A.M across all designated stations.
"The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) wishes to inform the nation that all preparations for the by-elections scheduled for Thursday, 27th November 2025 across 22 electoral areas have been successfully completed. Polling will commence at 6:00 A.M in all designated polling stations," the statement read.
IEBC noted that eligible voters will be identified through KIEMS kits and that the voter register has been displayed at each station for public verification.
"All eligible voters as captured in the 2022 certified Register of Voters for the respective by-election areas will be identified using the KIEMS kits. The Register of Voters has been displayed at each polling station for public verification," the statement added.
Read More
IEBC stated that voting will run from 6:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M, and any delays at opening time will be compensated, with all voters in the queue by closing time allowed to cast their ballots.
"Polling stations will open at 6:00 A.M and close at 5:00 P.M. In cases where opening is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, time lost will be compensated. All voters who are in the queue by 5:00 P.M will be allowed to cast their ballots. The Commission encourages voters to follow instructions issued by polling officials to facilitate an orderly voting process," the chair continued.
IEBC also informed the public that taking photos of ballot papers is prohibited and that doing so violates the secrecy of the vote.
"No one is allowed to take pictures of ballot papers at polling stations. The secrecy and integrity of the individual vote must be preserved at all times. Any breach is punishable by law. However, pictures or photos of duty filled and certified Result Forms can be taken once the declaration of results has been completed successfully," the statement further read.
IEBC noted that presiding officers will oversee polling stations and that agents, observers, and media personnel must not interfere with their work.
"The Presiding Officers will remain fully in charge of the polling stations. Therefore, party agents should cooperate with them and ensure they collectively facilitate the smooth process of voting and counting. We urge agents, observers and media not to interfere with the integrity of the exercise," the statement read
The commission further advised that complaints should be made respectfully to polling officials and backed by evidence, while also encouraging accurate reporting from observers and the media.
"Any complaints should be raised with the poll officials respectfully, with patience and supported with tangible evidence. We request agents, observers and media to truthfully and without bias record the proceedings and any observations without unnecessary interference and disruptions of the exercise," the agency noted.
IEBC added that only accredited individuals may access tallying centres and that political leaders are expected to respect the process without causing delays or disruptions.
"Only accredited persons with identification and badges are allowed to access the centers and observe the tallying and declaration of results. In cases where senior elected and party leaders would like to witness the Tallying process, we urge all of them to respect the integrity and the importance of the Tallying centre and to accord our officials and security the necessary cooperation and support. We do not expect any leaders to engage in actions that could disrupt and delay the tallying and announcement of results," the statement further read.
The commission explained that after voting closes, the presiding officer will conduct counting openly in the presence of agents, observers, and media representatives.
"After the close of polling at 5:00 P.M, 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," the statement added.
Further, to enhance transparency, IEBC said agents will be allowed to photograph official results forms and by ensuring that copies are posted publicly at the polling station.
It added that returning officers will receive, verify, collate, and announce constituency-level results, and that any disputes must be resolved through the courts.
"To enhance transparency: Agents present will be allowed to take photographs of the official results forms, and; A copy of the results form will be pasted at the polling station for public display.
"Returning Officers will thereafter: Receive results from all Presiding Officers; Verify, collate, and announce constituency-level results; and Declare the winner in the presence of agents and accredited stakeholders. Any aggrieved party is reminded that the courts of law remain the lawful avenue for electoral dispute resolution," the agency clarified.
IEBC assured the public that adequate security has been deployed across all polling stations and tallying centres, with officers assigned to maintain order.
"The Commission, working closely with the National Police Service, has deployed adequate security personnel to all polling stations, tallying centers, and other strategic locations across all 22 by-election areas. Each polling station will have a minimum of two security officers, with additional teams conducting patrols and providing rapid response where necessary," the statement concluded.
