IEBC releases key timelines to aspirants ahead of 2027 polls

The Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has unveiled the 2027 election timeline, paving the way for the forthcoming general election. On Thursday, the electoral body published the crucial dates that will govern the period, with August 10th, 2027, designated as the official day for the elections to take place.

The timeline stipulates that each political party aspiring to participate in the election must submit the names and specimen signatures of their authorized representatives by Thursday, October 15th, this year. Moreover, political parties planning to nominate a candidate for the election must submit the names of the individuals contesting in their party's primary elections, along with the dates and venues of these primaries, on or before Thursday, April 8th, 2027.

According to IEBC, parties seeking to field a Presidential candidate through either direct nominations or party primaries must submit the name of the person nominated to contest in the election to the commission on or before Saturday, May 8th, 2027. The Commission's nomination period for the election of President will span from Saturday, May 29th, 2027, to Friday, June 11th, 2027.

Furthermore, IEBC emphasized that public officers intending to vie for an elective position must resign from their public office by Wednesday, February 10th, 2027. Regarding campaigns, IEBC announced that the 2027 polls will kick off no earlier than May 29th, 2027, and will continue until August 7th, 2027.

Lastly, IEBC cautioned candidates against participating in fundraisers or harambe after December 9th, 2026, as they risk disqualification from contesting in the election.