While unveiling new aspirants set to participate in the upcoming 22 by-elections across the country, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala criticised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for delaying the announcement of the by-election dates, despite its earlier commitment to do so as soon as possible.

While addressing the media at the party headquarters on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Malala urged the IEBC to stand by its word.

He pointed out that during their last press briefing, the commission assured the nation that it would announce the by-election dates within a week. However, to date, the IEBC has not provided any official dates for the upcoming by-elections.

“We urge the IEBC to live by its word; last time they addressed the press, they assured the nation that they are going to give us a date in a week’s time. Up to today, the IEBC has not given us the dates for the by-election,” Malala stated.

Malala claimed that the ruling party are attempting to push the dates further because they are unprepared.

According to him, internal surveys conducted by the ruling coalition have shown that they are unlikely to win any of the 22 by-elections, prompting them to influence delays.

“We are aware that the ruling party are trying to push the dates further because they are not ready, as they have done a survey and realised that out of 22 by-elections, there is none that they can win, and therefore urge IEBC not to be dictated to by the ruling party. IEBC is an independent commission, and therefore it should execute its mandate independently,” he added.

IEBC’s independence

He urged the IEBC not to allow itself to be manipulated by the ruling party. He emphasised that the IEBC is an independent commission and should carry out its constitutional mandate without external interference.

Malala further called on members of the ruling party to stop interfering with IEBC decisions.

He affirmed that his party is fully prepared for the elections and called on the commission to announce the dates without further delay.

“I want to ask our counterparts from the ruling party to stop interfering with the decisions of the IEBC. We are ready for elections, and the IEBC should give us a date as soon as possible,” he concluded.