The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has threatened to postpone or cancel the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election following violence during campaigns. The Elections Act 2011 permits this under specific conditions.
According to the Elections Act 2011, Section 55B, the IEBC may delay an election in a constituency where it determines that holding the poll on the appointed date would not be possible or would threaten the credibility and safety of the process.
The law identifies three key situations that can lead to postponement: a serious breach of the peace, a natural disaster or other emergency, and serious electoral malpractice. For instance, recent acts of violence in Ol Kalou could force a delay if they pose a security threat to voters and officials.
After any postponement, the law requires that the poll be held at the earliest practicable time. The commission may also direct that election results be declared if it is satisfied that failure to vote in the affected area would not change the overall outcome.
