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The Nairobian

Civil society groups urge IEBC selection panel to uphold integrity

National

By Sharon Wanga | Jan 31, 2025

**New IEBC members of selection panel and Chief Justice Martha Koome(centre front row) pose for a photo at the Supreme Court Nairobi on January 27, 2025.[**Benard Orwongo ,Standard]

Civil society organisations have called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel to uphold integrity in the recruitment of new commissioners.

This, they say will restore public confidence in the electoral body.

Speaking to the media on Friday, January 31, members of the Uchaguzi Platform highlighted key electoral issues that need urgent attention before the next general election.

They urged the selection panel to expedite the recruitment process to ensure it is completed within the set timelines.

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“The panel must carry out its mandate with independence, impartiality, transparency, and inclusivity at every stage of the process. This will enhance public confidence and increase acceptance of the outcome,” the organizations said in a statement.

The lobby group further called on politicians to allow the panel to work without interference. They noted that all legal matters related to the recruitment should be resolved swiftly to prevent delays.

While the appointment of the selection panel marks progress, the civil society groups highlighted pressing issues that will require immediate attention from the new commissioners.

Among them is the need to conduct pending by-elections in constituencies and wards that remain without representation.

The new commissioners will also be tasked with overseeing constituency boundary reviews and auditing the voter register ahead of the 2027 elections.

Several electoral processes have stalled since 2024, following the end of three commissioners' terms and the resignation of three others in 2023.

They also called on Parliament to fast-track the Election Campaign Financing Bill, which would establish clear regulations ahead of the 2027 campaigns.

“Parliament must act swiftly to finalize pending electoral legislation, such as the Election Campaign Financing (ECF) Bill. This will help regulate campaign financing, curb the use of illicit funds in elections, and prevent the misuse of public resources,” the statement read.