Dismal 23% voter turnout mars Nov 23 by-election

The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has released its report on the by-elections held on November 23, revealing a mixed picture of electoral conduct marked by improved arrangements alongside procedural lapses and low voter participation.

FAFEN deployed 122 observers who monitored 373 polling stations across constituencies. While the report acknowledged that elections were conducted with overall better arrangements, it flagged election campaign violations and gaps in result transparency.

Voter turnout remained extremely low across the board. The overall turnout stood at merely 23%, with most constituencies recording less than 50% participation. Only one constituency managed to cross the 50% turnout threshold.

Read: By-polls a 'one-sided' affair, say analysts

On polling day, FAFEN observers documented over 465 political camps established near polling stations, raising questions about adherence to electoral guidelines. At 49% of the polling stations, political parties were observed facilitating the arrival and departure of voters. Electoral material was found inside 16 polling stations, while arrangements for women, elderly, and disabled voters were found to be uneven, indicating gaps in inclusive election management.

Despite 93% of polling booths maintaining peaceful and organised conditions, several procedural violations were documented. At some booths, voters with expired identity cards were turned away, while assistant officers signed ballot papers beforehand at 29% of polling booths. 28% of booths reported incidents of pre-stamping.

Read More: The one-way ballot

FAFEN observers were prevented from entering two polling stations during counting. Form 45, which contains official results, was not provided to polling agents at six stations and was withheld from observers at 13 stations. Several polling stations also failed to provide Form 46 to polling agents and election observers. At 43% of polling stations, signatures were not obtained from agents on the result form.

Despite the documented irregularities, 97% of polling agents expressed satisfaction with the polling process, according to the report.