The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has outlined measures it plans to use to identify and manage election-related risks from the campaign period through to the announcement of results ahead of the 2027 General Election.The Commission said the measures will focus on strengthening coordination among electoral and security agencies, improving early warning and response mechanisms, and ensuring that election-related offences are investigated and prosecuted effectively.IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah said the Commission was working with the National Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to strengthen election security.She was speaking during the opening of an Electoral Security Arrangement Programme (ESAP) review workshop, which brought together the agencies to assess existing measures and identify gaps ahead of the 2027 election.Under the plan, IEBC intends to strengthen the capacity of electoral and security personnel to enforce election laws and maintain order during the electoral period.The Commission plans to train more than 200,000 police officers and IEBC staff on election rules, public order management and their respective responsibilities during the electoral process.IEBC will also work with other agencies to improve the coordination of investigations and prosecutions arising from election-related offences.Abdallah said the Commission would also strengthen early warning and response mechanisms to enable authorities to identify potential threats and act before they escalate.The measures come amid concerns over political violence and the use of organised groups to disrupt political activities and intimidate electoral officials.Abdallah warned against what she described as a “rising tide of goonism”, saying political actors who use gangs to invade rallies or polling stations and intimidate electoral officials risk undermining the credibility of the election.She said the Commission would enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct and take action against individuals and political actors found to have violated electoral rules.The sanctions available under the framework include fines, restrictions on access to public media and prohibitions from holding public meetings or accessing specified areas.In serious cases, violations could result in the disqualification of candidates or the cancellation of election results, Abdallah said.She emphasised that enforcement would apply regardless of the political standing of those involved, with the Commission expected to take action against offenders without favour.The IEBC also clarified the expected timeline for the 2027 campaign period, stating that campaigns will begin upon registration of candidates, but not earlier than 29 May 2027, and will end on 7 August 2027.The Commission said the timelines would provide a clear framework within which political parties and candidates are expected to conduct their activities.
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