The Free and Fair Elections Network (FAFEN) has published its report on the by-elections held on 23 November, revealing a mixed picture of electoral conduct marked by improved provisions alongside procedural failures and low voter turnout.
FAFEN deployed 122 observers who monitored 373 polling stations in all electoral districts. While the report acknowledged that the elections were conducted with better arrangements overall, it noted violations of the electoral campaigns and gaps in the transparency of the results.
Voter turnout remained extremely low across the board. Overall turnout was just 23%, with most precincts recording less than 50% turnout. Only one constituency managed to cross the 50% participation threshold.
Read: Partial polls are a “one-sided” issue, analysts say
On election day, FAFEN observers documented more than 465 political camps established near polling stations, raising questions about compliance with electoral guidelines. In 49% of the polling stations, it was observed that political parties facilitated the arrival and departure of voters. Electoral material was found within 16 polling stations, while provisions for women, the elderly and disabled voters were found to be unequal, indicating gaps in inclusive electoral management.
Although 93% of polling stations maintained peaceful and organized conditions, several procedural violations were documented. At some polling stations, voters with expired ID cards were turned away, while attending officers signed ballots beforehand at 29% of polling stations. 28% of stands reported pre-stamping incidents.
Read more: The one-way vote
FAFEN observers were denied access to two polling stations during the count. Form 45, which contains the official results, was not delivered to election agents at six polling stations and observers were withheld at 13 polling stations. Several polling stations also failed to provide Form 46 to election agents and election observers. In 43% of the polling stations, signatures from the agents were not obtained on the results form.
Despite documented irregularities, 97% of election agents expressed satisfaction with the voting process, according to the report.
