The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon has assured Kenyans that the 2027 General Election will be credible, transparent, and peaceful, while urging all stakeholders to play their part in protecting democracy.
Speaking at a Nairobi meeting, Ethekon said the Commission is adopting a fresh approach focused on openness, inclusivity, and early collaboration with partners such as the private sector, civil society, and the media. He emphasized that the new IEBC leadership is committed to operating transparently and strictly within the law.
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The Commission has already deployed more than 12,000 staff nationwide to support the ongoing mass voter registration drive, with commissioners also leading mobilisation efforts across regions. Over one million new voters have been registered within days, with a target of at least 2.5 million in the first phase.
Ethekon noted that the voter register will be audited and verified before official publication ahead of the 2027 polls. He projected that the number of registered voters could rise from 22.1 million in 2022 to about 28.5 million by 2027, alongside an increase in polling stations from 46,229 to roughly 55,000.
He stressed that maintaining the integrity of the voter register is critical, revealing that the Commission has enhanced biometric systems to include iris scanning in addition to fingerprints to ensure accurate voter identification.
Reflecting on the 2007–2008 Kenyan post-election violence, Ethekon warned against a repeat of the chaos, describing it as devastating both socially and economically.
He also pointed to lessons from recent by-elections, noting that while the polls were largely credible, issues such as violence, voter bribery, and political interference were still evident and must be addressed collectively.
Ethekon clarified that while IEBC enforces the electoral code during campaign periods, other institutions—including security and anti-corruption agencies—must handle offences outside its mandate.
On reforms, he said IEBC is working with stakeholders to fast-track legal changes ahead of 2027. He revealed the Commission has requested Sh67 billion for the elections but has only been allocated about Sh41 billion, leaving a funding shortfall.
He also announced plans to expand diaspora voting from 18 to around 54 countries and assured that election technology will undergo rigorous testing to ensure reliability.
Ethekon urged Kenyans to avoid misinformation, stressing that election results are publicly available at polling stations for verification. He concluded by calling for a united effort among all stakeholders to create a peaceful environment for free and fair elections.
