IEBC asks Parliament to fast-track election reforms, approve budget
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon on Saturday said the Commission has completed a thorough review of existing electoral laws and developed draft bills and regulations aimed at addressing gaps in the legal framework.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has appealed to Parliament to fast-track proposed legal reforms and ensure timely funding as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon on Saturday said the Commission has completed a thorough review of existing electoral laws and developed draft bills and regulations aimed at addressing gaps in the legal framework.
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These proposals, already submitted to Parliament through the relevant committees, cover a wide range of areas, including voter registration, voter education, political party operations, election offences, and the use of technology.
“We are preparing for the 2027 general elections, and there are several issues that require legislative reforms. We’ve made these proposals in the form of draft bills and draft regulations aimed at enhancing the legal architecture of elections in Kenya,” he said.
Ethekon explained that the proposals include changes to the Elections Act, Political Parties Act, County Governments Act, and the Referendum Bill. The Commission is also proposing improvements to the legal framework governing campaign financing and party primaries.
The IEBC boss said the Commission is particularly keen to strengthen regulations around the use of technology in the upcoming election cycle.
“As you all know, the next election, technology will play a critical role,” he said.
With the polls scheduled for August 10, 2027, Ethekon emphasised that having a clear and updated legal framework in place early will allow the Commission to internalise the changes and implement them effectively.
He said that the Commission’s roadmap, including its General Election Management Plan and voter education programmes, depends on early approval and support from Parliament.
In addition to legislation, the IEBC has raised concerns about past delays in election funding, which have often disrupted procurement and planning. Ethekon urged the National Treasury and Parliament to ensure adequate resources are allocated in good time.
“We can only succeed if we have adequate resources that will enable us to deliver on our mandate. Sometimes by the time finances arrive, it’s maybe too late, and it becomes very cumbersome and stressful for us to undertake those procurements on time,” Ethekon noted.
He warned that such delays pose a serious risk to the smooth running of elections and called for early financial support to avoid repeating past challenges.
Ethekon concluded by inviting all stakeholders to work with the Commission in the run-up to the elections.
“The Commission therefore invites fellow citizens, other stakeholders including Parliament, media, civil society and development partners, to collaborate with us as we execute these priority tasks,” he said.
The chairperson assured the public that IEBC is fully committed to delivering a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive election in full compliance with the Constitution and electoral laws.
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