[PHOTOS] Businesses shut as Ol Kalou residents vote

Business activity slowed to a near standstill across Ol Kalou on Thursday morning as residents turned out in large numbers to vote in the closely watched parliamentary by-election.

Many shops and trading centres were left deserted for the better part of the day.

A spot check across the constituency showed numerous retail shops, kiosks and small businesses closed as traders joined other residents at polling stations to elect a new MP.

Streets that are ordinarily busy with shoppers and traders wore a quiet look, with only a handful of businesses operating during the early hours.

The subdued commercial activity reflected the significance residents attached to the by-election, with many opting to cast their ballots before resuming their daily routines.

Business owners expressed optimism that trading would gradually pick up later in the day once voting gathered pace and more residents returned from polling stations.

Large numbers of voters streamed into polling centres from early morning, with queues forming at several stations as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commenced voting at 6 am. The commission has said polling will close at 5 pm, with all voters in the queue by the official closing time allowed to cast their ballots.

The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has attracted national attention, with political leaders, analysts and parties closely monitoring the outcome as an early indicator of the shifting political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election.