The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has raised concerns over the delay in holding 23 pending by-elections across the country.
According to the Commission, the delay is due to the expiry of parliamentary writs required to initiate the process.
The pending by-elections include one Senate seat, six National Assembly seats, and 16 Member of County Assembly (MCA) positions.
“In the case of the by-elections to the National Assembly and Senate, the speakers of the respective Houses are expected to issue writs declaring the positions vacant.”
“We note that the writs have since expired,” said the IEBC in a public statement.
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IEBC On How 23 By-Elections Will be Held
Further, the electoral body said it is engaging the Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate to address the matter and enable the Commission to proceed with the necessary electoral timelines.
“We will discuss this matter with the speakers of the respective Houses of Parliament. Once we receive the respective writs, IEBC will expeditiously hold by-elections in that area,” the Commission explained.
By law, a writ is an official declaration from the Speaker of either house, the National Assembly or the Senate, notifying the IEBC of a vacant seat and formally authorizing it to hold a by-election within the legally stipulated time frame.
Without the official declaration, the Commission cannot initiate the process.
Consequently, the delay means thousands of voters across the 23 affected electoral areas are without representation.
The IEBC explained that it is fully prepared to conduct the by-elections as soon as it receives the necessary documentation.
“The Commission remains committed to upholding its constitutional mandate and ensuring that all Kenyans are adequately represented.”
Also Read: IEBC Issues Update on Upcoming By-Elections for Vacant Seats
Public Review of Electoral Boundaries Opened Ahead of 2027
At the same time, the IEBC has begun the electoral boundaries review exercise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Commission has invited the public to inspect maps, population data, and electoral registers for 30 days beginning July 22, 2024.
Therefore, Kenyans have been invited to inspect and verify key boundary review materials for a period of 30 days starting Monday, 22nd July 2024. The materials will be available at IEBC County and Constituency offices countrywide.
“This process is in line with Article 89 of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 36 of the IEBC Act, 2011. The Commission is mandated to review the names and boundaries of constituencies and wards at intervals of not less than eight years, and not more than twelve years,” the Commission stated.
Materials available for public inspection include the national map of Kenya showing boundaries of constituencies and wards, constituency and county-specific maps, register of electors for each electoral area, population data per constituency and ward, as well as geographical features and community interest data used in the review process.
“The Commission encourages stakeholders to visit our County and Constituency offices to view and verify the displayed information, and to make written representations on the same,” the statement read.
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Tight schedules to meet. Mambo ni mengi na masaa ni machache but hope that the newly elected members will utilize their time well.