EU Blasts Kenya Over Election Chaos: IEBC Mess Puts 2027 Polls at Risk!
A team sent by the European Union (EU) to evaluate Kenyaโs election reforms has expressed concern over the slow pace in setting up the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement released on Friday, February 21, it was disclosed that the Election Follow-up Mission (EU EFM) had been in Kenya since February 2.ย
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The mission, led by Ivan ล tefanec, pointed out that the process of appointing new IEBC commissioners had not yet been completed, even though the next general election was fast approaching.ย ย
The delay in recruiting commissioners has affected the implementation of electoral reforms, slowed down voter registration, and postponed pending by-elections.
ล tefanec emphasized that failing to appoint new IEBC officials had disrupted key electoral activities. These included boundary reviews, continuous voter registration, and preparations for the 2027 elections. He urged authorities to reconstitute the commission as soon as possible and ensure it receives sufficient funding to effectively prepare for the upcoming elections.
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The follow-up mission also noted that in 2022, it had made several recommendations aimed at improving transparency and the overall electoral process.
Some of these recommendations focused on enhancing voter registration and ensuring election results were transmitted efficiently.
Among the key proposals were providing the IEBC with adequate funds for ongoing voter education, upgrading electoral technology through audits and consultations, enforcing the Election Campaign Financing Act to monitor campaign expenses, clearly defining hate speech in line with international human rights standards, repealing sections 22 and 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, and establishing clear guidelines for managing staff and information flow at tallying centres to enhance efficiency and consistency.
The recruitment process for new IEBC commissioners is currently underway. The selection panel is reviewing applications before shortlisting candidates.ย ย
According to officials, a total of 1,848 Kenyans have applied for the vacant positions of IEBC chairperson and commissioners.
EU Blasts Kenya Over Election Chaos: IEBC Mess Puts 2027 Polls at Risk!
