The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya has expanded its voter registration program to 26 countries abroad, up from 12 countries previously. This move aims to increase the participation of Kenyans living abroad in the 2027 general elections. According to IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon, the decision is in line with the constitutional requirement to allow Kenyans abroad to exercise their right to vote.
The voter registration process for Kenyans living abroad began in 2013 and has been gradually expanded to more countries. Ethekon stated that the IEBC is committed to ensuring that Kenyans abroad have a say in the country's electoral process. He emphasized that the registration process is not a secret or informal exercise, but rather a mandatory process recognized by the Constitution and implemented through specific systems under the commission's supervision.
The IEBC has also denied allegations that it is registering Ugandan citizens as voters in Kenya. Ethekon warned that making such claims could undermine public trust in the integrity and security of the electoral process. He stated that no credible evidence has been presented to support these claims, and that the commission will take necessary action if evidence of irregularities or malfeasance is brought to its attention.
Ethekon revealed that the IEBC will begin the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which will include the registration of Kenyans abroad. He encouraged Kenyans living abroad to take advantage of this opportunity to register as voters and participate in the 2027 general elections. The IEBC chairman emphasized that the commission is committed to ensuring that all eligible Kenyans, including those living abroad, have a chance to exercise their right to vote.
The expansion of voter registration to 26 countries abroad is expected to increase the number of Kenyans participating in the electoral process. Ethekon stated that the IEBC is working to ensure that the registration process is accessible, secure, and transparent. He encouraged Kenyans abroad to verify their registration status and to encourage others to register as voters.
The IEBC has been working to improve the electoral process in Kenya, including the implementation of new technologies to enhance the security and transparency of elections. Ethekon stated that the commission is committed to ensuring that the 2027 general elections are free, fair, and credible. He emphasized that the IEBC will work with all stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process is inclusive and participatory.
The registration of Kenyans abroad as voters is a significant step towards increasing the participation of diaspora communities in the electoral process. Ethekon encouraged Kenyans abroad to take an active role in the electoral process and to exercise their right to vote. He stated that the IEBC is committed to ensuring that the voices of all Kenyans, including those living abroad, are heard in the electoral process.
Key points
- The IEBC has expanded voter registration to 26 countries abroad ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The registration process is part of the commission's efforts to increase the participation of Kenyans living abroad in the electoral process.
- The IEBC has denied allegations of registering non-Kenyans as voters, warning that such claims could undermine public trust in the electoral process.
