The Free and Fair Elections Network (FAFEN) has released its report on the by-elections held on November 23, revealing a mixed picture of electoral behavior characterized by improved arrangements alongside procedural lapses and low voter turnout.
FAFEN deployed 122 observers who monitored 373 polling stations across constituencies. While the report acknowledged that elections were conducted with generally better arrangements, it highlighted campaign violations and gaps in result transparency.
Voter turnout remained extremely low across the board. The total turnout was only 23%, with most constituencies having less than 50% participation. Only one constituency managed to cross the 50% turnout threshold.
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On election day, FAFEN observers documented over 465 political camps established near polling stations, raising questions about compliance with electoral guidelines. At 49% of polling stations, political parties were observed facilitating the arrival and departure of voters. Election materials were found inside 16 polling stations, while arrangements for women, elderly and disabled voters were found to be patchy, indicating gaps in inclusive election management.
Despite 93% of polling stations maintaining peaceful and orderly conditions, several procedural violations were documented. At some booths, voters with expired identity cards were turned away, while assistant officers pre-signed ballots at 29% of polling stations. 28% of booths reported incidents of priest stamping.
Read more: The one-way vote
FAFEN observers were prevented from entering two polling stations during the count. Form 45, which contains official results, was not delivered to polling stations at six stations and was withheld from observers at 13 stations. Several polling stations also failed to provide Form 46 to election agents and election observers. At 43% of polling stations signatures were not obtained from agents on the results form.
Despite the documented irregularities, 97% of those polled expressed satisfaction with the voting process, according to the report.
