IEBC Warns Aspirants: No Campaigning Before May 29, 2027

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned political aspirants against campaigning before the official period begins on 29 May 2027.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said candidates may only campaign after they have been formally registered, with the official campaign period running from 29 May to 7 August 2027, two days before the General Election. He said activities that amount to campaign mobilisation before the permitted period, including rallies, caravans, posters and billboards, will be treated as unlawful.

Ethekon said the Commission would enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct and could impose sanctions ranging from fines and restrictions on media access to bans on public meetings and demonstrations. Persistent or serious offenders could also be disqualified from participating in the election.

The Commission may refer cases involving violence, intimidation or systematic breaches to the High Court. Such cases could result in a candidate losing the right to contest the election.

The warning comes as political activity continues to increase across the country, with aspirants holding rallies and other public events ahead of the official campaign period. In a separate directive, the IEBC has ordered aspirants and political actors to remove campaign materials bearing its logo within five days.

Ethekon said the unauthorised use of the IEBC emblem was unlawful and could mislead the public into believing that the Commission supports particular candidates. He said such use undermines the IEBC's impartiality and independence and warned that failure to comply could lead to punitive action.

Meanwhile, preparations for the 2027 General Election are continuing, with the IEBC beginning to procure election materials after receiving its budget allocation for the 2026/2027 financial year. The procurement of ballot papers and election technology has, however, been temporarily suspended following a review request filed with the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.

Ethekon said the procurement of other essential election materials was continuing and would be completed in time for the election. The Commission's directives are part of its efforts to ensure that political actors comply with electoral laws and regulations ahead of the 2027 polls.