EU election observers call for speedy reconstitution of IEBC

European Union election observers have decried delays in the appointment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioners, which they say has compromised overall preparations for the 2027 polls.

They further stated that proper funding is needed to have proper functioning of the IEBC and smooth elections in 2027.

Led by their Chairperson Ivan Stefanec, the observers said they will be assessing progress made in the electoral reform process and implementation status of the recommendations made.

“We came here basically to observe the implementation of recommendations from 2022. There are 21 recommendations; 11 of them required legal change, 10 of them only (required) administrative changes,” said Stefanec.

“Currently, we are mid electoral cycle so we would like to emphasize the necessity of those recommendations in order to have peaceful and transparent elections in 2027. The most important of those recommendations is to appoint Chair of IEBC and also to secure funding of this important institutions.”

The IEBC Selection Panel early this week announced that it received 1,848 applications for the Chairperson and members of the commission.

The panel Chairperson Nelson Makanda said a verification process of the applications has commenced and a list of all applicants will soon be published.

Positions to the electoral body's commission fell vacant on January 16, 2023, after Chairperson Wafula Chebukati announced his exit alongside Commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu whose 6-year term had lapsed.

Former IEBC Vice Chair Juliana Cherera and commissioners Irene Masit, Justus Nyang’aya and Francis Wanderi were dismissed after disputing the 2022 presidential election results.

Hussein Marjan is the only remaining head of at commission acting as the IEBC CEO.

Chebukati passed away on Thursday night, with his family saying they are yet to establish the cause of his death.