The Independent and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, led by Nelson Makanda, has concluded the interviews of 11 candidates who presented themselves for the position of chairperson of the electoral body ahead of the 2027 General elections.

In a statement on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Makanda noted that with the completion of the first part of the interviews, focus will now shift to the IEBC commissioner interviews.

“The selection panel for the recruitment of the nominees for appointment to the position of chairperson and members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is pleased to announce the successful completion of the interview process that commenced on Monday, March 24, 2025, and has come to an end today, Wednesday, March 26, 2025,” Makanda said.

“We are happy to report that all 11 shortlisted candidates availed themselves to participate in the interview process. With this conclusion of the chairperson’s interviews, the panel will now proceed with the interviews for candidates shortlisted for the position of member and these interviews will start on Thursday, March 27, 2025, and continue until Friday, April 25, 2025.”

Valid clearance documents

Makanda reminded the shortlisted candidates to bring along valid clearance certificates from the DCI, HELB, KRA, EACC and from the Commission for University Education (CUE), especially for candidates with degrees that were earned from outside of the country.

Focus now shifts to the members of the IEBC commission where at least 110 people were shortlisted for the six positions available.

The interviews for members of the IEBC commission will take a month to conclude, in an exercise which will see the nine members of the selection panel sit every day of the week, save for weekends, to vet the candidates.

IEBC reconstitution

A person is qualified for appointment as a member of the Commission if such person holds a degree from a recognized university, has proven relevant experience in electoral matters, management, finance, governance, public administration, law and meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

The IEBC selection panel has assured the public that after the conclusion of the interview process in April, they will forward the names of two nominees for the position of chairperson and nine names for the position of commissioners to the president, who will then appoint the chairperson and six members of the commission.

“Upon completion of the interviews, the panel shall select two persons qualified to be appointed chairperson and nine persons qualified to be appointed as members of the Commission and forward it to the President,” Makanda said.