The Election Observers Group (ELOG) has praised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for conducting largely free and fair by-elections across the country on November 27, while highlighting areas that need urgent attention ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In its preliminary report released on November 28, ELOG noted that 93.4% of polling stations recorded good or very good conduct, a performance the group described as encouraging but still short of the standards required for full electoral credibility.
ELOG deployed 100 trained roving observers under the Technical Working Group on Elections, monitoring voter turnout, adherence to procedures and the general environment at polling centres nationwide.
The report showed that 83% of polling stations opened at or before the scheduled time, with delays mainly linked to logistical issues. However, observers flagged challenges at 1.6% of stations where KIEMS kits malfunctioned or required replacement.
Voter difficulties were recorded in 42% of polling stations, ranging from missing names on the register and lack of identification documents to voters presenting themselves at the wrong centres. ELOG said these issues pointed to gaps in voter education and pre-election communication.
The group further called on IEBC to provide timely information during polling, enforce assisted voting procedures and prevent interference by high-profile individuals at voting centres.
ELOG also urged the National Police Service to investigate all incidents of violence and disruptions witnessed during the by-elections, warning that unresolved cases could undermine confidence in upcoming polls.
According to the observers, strengthening voter awareness, addressing technology gaps and improving election-day coordination will be key to ensuring a credible and peaceful 2027 election cycle.
 has praised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for conducting largely free and fair by-elections across the country on November 27, while highlighting areas that need urgent attention ahead of the 2027 General Election.){kind=link}