Voting opened smoothly on Thursday morning in the Ugunja constituency by-election, but early turnout remained lower than anticipated, prompting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to urge residents to exercise their voting rights.
IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat noted that while polling stations were operating without issues and the process was peaceful, the number of voters arriving in the first hours was below expectations.
“Voter turnout is a bit low. We are urging people to come out and cast their ballots,” she said. She added, “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.”
Araphat reassured the electorate that security measures had been put in place across the constituency. She urged residents to take advantage of the calm atmosphere to participate fully in the democratic exercise.
“We are happy everything is moving on smoothly and peace is maintained, and we urge them to continue that,” she said.
Polling stations opened at 6:00 am, with many residents arriving early before heading to work. In most locations, the flow of voters was steady but manageable, and there were few queues.
Observers reported that voters were casting their ballots efficiently and leaving promptly, contributing to a smooth start to the day.
Elsewhere, in the neighbouring Malava constituency, voting also began without incidents, with early turnout initially low but expected to rise as the day continued.
Among the early voters in Ugunja was DAP-K parliamentary candidate Seth Panyako, who cast his vote at St Joseph’s Lunyu Primary School in Manda Shivanga at 6:00 am.
He was accompanied by DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Panyako raised concerns about attempts to manipulate the election through intimidation and ballot interference. “These people are determined to use all means to steal this election, but the people of Kabras will not accept this,” he said. He also criticized the IEBC for not curbing incidents of violence, a claim that has been circulating among supporters.
However, Constituency Returning Officer Salim Abdala dismissed allegations of widespread disturbances, stating that no official complaints had been filed with the commission.
He emphasized that the IEBC cannot take action based on unverified reports circulating in public.
Voting is scheduled to continue until 5:00 pm as residents choose their next Member of Parliament.
