The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has clarified that voter registration in regions affected by the recent November 27 by-elections will resume only after the legally mandated petition period comes to an end.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 1, the Commission explained that the pause is in line with Section 76 of the Elections Act, which grants a 28-day window for any party to challenge the outcome of an election through a petition.
IEBC noted that during this four-week period, the voters’ register in the affected counties, constituencies, or wards must remain unchanged to preserve the integrity of potential legal proceedings.
“The Commission will resume Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the affected by-election areas after the statutory petition period has lapsed,” the statement read.
“Section 76 provides for 28 days post-declaration of results as the window for filing petitions challenging the validity of the by-election. In this regard, CVR cannot resume until this window closes and no petition has been filed.”
The Commission says this safeguard ensures that courts rely on the same data used during the mini-polls if any disputes arise, preventing any alterations that could interfere with the petition process.
Once the petition period ends and any legal challenges have been heard and concluded — IEBC will reopen voter registration, allowing eligible citizens to register afresh, transfer polling stations, or update their details.
Opposition to Challenge By-Election Results
IEBC’s announcement comes just a day after the United Opposition declared plans to contest the results of several by-elections conducted on November 27.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, November 30, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused the government of orchestrating voter suppression and intimidation during the polls.
He claimed that alleged interference was particularly evident in the Mbeere North and Malava parliamentary by-elections, where UDA candidates won.
“We have evidence that some senior government officials made calls in Mbeere North and directed that the candidate called Wa Muthende must win the polls,” Kalonzo alleged.
The opposition coalition says it is compiling evidence and will file its petitions within the legal timeframe.
