With the 2027 General Election in Kenya drawing closer, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders are increasingly pressing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for answers on its preparedness. The questions often revolve around long-standing issues that have previously compromised the integrity of elections.
This is arguably the most pressing and contentious issues: First , the he Constitution mandates the IEBC to review electoral boundaries every 8 to 12 years, and the last review was conducted in 2012. MPs are demanding to know if the Commission, which was recently reconstituted, is on track to complete this crucial and legally required exercise before the election. The IEBC has even stated that holding the 2027 elections without a boundary review would be unconstitutional.
A major concern for MPs,and the IEBC itself is the budget. The Commission has consistently warned that budget cuts and delays in funding are a significant hindrance to its preparations. Therefore, MPs want to know if the IEBC has received the necessary financial allocation to carry out key tasks like voter registration, voter education, and procuring election technology.
After the 2022 elections, the use and security of electoral technology remained a point of contention. MPs want the IEBC to provide a clear, transparent, and verifiable plan for the technology to be used in 2027. This includes questions about the procurement process, security measures against hacking, and the use of the Kenya Integrated Electoral Management System (KIEMS).
The IEBC has submitted several proposed legal amendments to Parliament. MPs are questioning the IEBC's plan to ensure that these crucial reforms, which are meant to address past electoral challenges, are enacted in a timely manner. They are concerned that delays will leave little time for public participation and implementation before the 2027 polls.
With the proliferation of social media, MPs want the IEBC to outline its strategy for tackling misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech. This is a critical issue that has historically heightened political tensions and threatened national cohesion during election periods.
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