IEBC must prepare well for 2027 elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) must prepare diligently for the 2027 General Elections, which will occur exactly one year from now. The election must proceed as scheduled, according to a High Court ruling, despite the controversy surrounding whether the Constitution mandates a full five-year term for elected leaders.

The court emphasized that rushing the polls could bring chaos to the nation. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon and his staff, who are managing their inaugural full poll, have pledged to ensure efficiency and transparency. They have already conducted several by-elections to test their systems. To guarantee a free and fair election, IEBC should expedite procurement, system testing, and compliance enforcement with campaign financing and electoral codes of conduct.

Parliament should enact pertinent election laws, police should prepare to handle potential electoral violence and the growing issue of goon culture, and courts should clear any election-related cases to avoid last-minute rulings disrupting poll preparations. Furthermore, IEBC should thoroughly review budgets, voter identification processes, and results transmission technology to boost transparency.

All eligible Kenyans must be able to cast their votes freely to elect their leaders. Keep abreast of breaking news updates and additional stories by following our WhatsApp channel.