IEBC proposes new rules to reduce election nomination disputes ahead of 2027 polls
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 9, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has proposed a series of legal and administrative reforms aimed at reducing the number of election nomination disputes ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement on their X handle, the IEBC has noted that the recommendations are contained in the Commission’s Pre-Election Dispute Resolution (Pre-EDR) Report released on Thursday, July 9, 2026, which reviewed complaints arising from the 2022 electoral cycle and identified gaps in the current legal framework governing party nominations and candidate registration.
Extension of timeline for determining pre-election disputes
Among the key proposals is an extension of the timeline for determining pre-election disputes. The Commission recommends increasing the current 10-day determination period to 14 working days to allow sufficient time for hearing and resolving cases.
“From the launch, the Commission recommends an extension of the timeline by increasing the 10-day determination period to 14 working days and the filing time from 24 hours from the occurrence of the dispute to 72 hours from the last day of candidate registration”, IEBC stated.
Timelines for filing disputes
IEBC also wants the deadline for filing pre-election complaints extended from the current 24 hours after a dispute occurs to 72 hours after the close of candidate registration. The Commission says the change would give aggrieved parties adequate time to prepare and submit complaints while ensuring disputes are handled before the election calendar progresses.
Another major recommendation seeks to harmonise the interpretation of the terms “nomination” and “party nomination” as used in the Elections Act and the Political Parties Act (PPA). According to the Commission, differing interpretations of the two terms have contributed to confusion and litigation during the nomination process.
To address cases involving candidates seeking elective office after leaving public service, IEBC proposes stricter proof of resignation. Instead of accepting resignation letters alone, the Commission recommends requiring a certificate of service issued under Section 51 of the Employment Act as evidence that a candidate has formally left employment. The proposal is intended to close loopholes that have allowed the use of questionable resignation documents during nominations.
The Commission has also recommended enhanced sensitisation of candidates before the nomination period begins. It wants aspiring candidates to be briefed during pre-nomination meetings on the importance of adhering to timelines when submitting nomination papers to avoid delays and ensure compliance with gazetted schedules for candidate registration.
IEBC says the proposed reforms are intended to strengthen the integrity of the nomination process, reduce avoidable disputes, and improve the efficiency of pre-election dispute resolution as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace.