2027 elections: IEBC seeks Swiss expertise on electoral disputes and voter education

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya has enlisted the expertise of Swiss experts for the upcoming 2027 General Election. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon hosted a delegation from the Swiss Embassy, led by Chargé d’Affaires Dr Steve Tharakan, on August 12, 2026. The discussions centered on three key aspects of electoral governance: resolving electoral disputes, educating voters, and establishing a Code of Conduct for candidates and political parties.

These consultations come as the election commission intensifies preparations for the upcoming polls, aiming to bolster public trust in the electoral process. The Pre-Election Dispute Resolution (Pre-EDR) Report released by IEBC in July highlighted the need for longer dispute-resolution periods and proposed reforms to manage disputes effectively before elections.

In addition to dispute resolution, voter education is a critical focus area. IEBC has been actively engaging citizens and stakeholders through voter education campaigns targeting youth groups, women, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and security agencies. Voter registration efforts have also expanded, with over 2.6 million new voters registered in the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise, bringing the total registered electorate to approximately 24.7 million.

The Swiss engagement marks part of IEBC's broader strategy of international collaboration, including previous meetings with the European Union and other partners. The commission's strategic plans for 2024-2029 further outline its commitment to enhancing electoral integrity, institutional readiness, and stakeholder involvement. As Kenya prepares for its general election involving millions of voters and a complex electoral system, the IEBC aims to rebuild confidence in its electoral institutions through enhanced transparency, early stakeholder engagement, and a focus on inclusivity.