STORY By JUSTIN MTAWALI HARRISON
As Kenya approaches the 2027 general elections, the political landscape is abuzz with discussions and actions centred around the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Politicians from across the spectrum are keenly focused on ensuring that the new IEBC is in place well ahead of the elections, recognizing the critical role the commission plays in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
The IEBC has its work cut ahead of the 2027 polls. Key among the pending tasks is reconstitution of the electoral body, holding by-elections and boundaries delimitation.
The urgency to reconstitute the IEBC stems from the lessons learned during the 2022 general elections. The need for a transparent, efficient, and credible electoral body has never been more apparent. Politicians are advocating for a swift and thorough reconstitution process to avoid the pitfalls of the past and to ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted smoothly and fairly.
In a rare display of unity, both government and opposition leaders have come together to push for the reconstitution of the IEBC. The bipartisan National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) has been instrumental in drafting the IEBC Bill, which outlines the framework for the selection and appointment of new commissioners. This collaborative effort underscores the shared commitment to strengthening the electoral process and restoring public confidence in the IEBC.
The reconstitution process has also seen significant input from various stakeholders, including international bodies. The European Union, for instance, has made several recommendations to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the IEBC. These include improving election technology, ensuring timely and adequate funding, and promoting continuous voter education. Such recommendations are being taken seriously by Kenyan politicians, who are keen to implement best practices and innovations to bolster the electoral process.
Despite the enthusiasm, the reconstitution process is not without its challenges. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has raised concerns about the delays in appointing new IEBC commissioners, which have already disrupted by-elections and could potentially hinder the boundary delimitation exercise. Legal battles and bureaucratic hurdles have also slowed down the process, making it imperative for politicians to expedite their efforts to ensure that the new IEBC is operational well before the 2027 general elections.
Kenyan politicians are exploring innovative approaches to ensure the successful reconstitution of the IEBC. The selection panel responsible for recruiting nominees has received an overwhelming number of applications, reflecting the high level of interest and the importance of the commission. The panel is now in the process of verifying these applications and will soon release a long list of candidates, paving the way for the final selection.
The formation of a new IEBC is a top priority for Kenyan politicians as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. Through bipartisan efforts, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to transparency and innovation, Kenya is poised to strengthen its electoral process and uphold the democratic principles that are the cornerstone of its governance. As the reconstitution process unfolds, the eyes of the nation and the world are on Kenya, watching how it navigates this critical juncture in its democratic journey.
The Feature Story Writer is a Second Year BA Journalism Student at Chuka University
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