IEBC calls for continuous voter education amid budget constraints

IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon addressing the press at a past event. [IEBC, X]

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has acknowledged that voter education has long been underfunded, thereby limiting its ability to engage citizens outside of election periods effectively.

Commissioner Dr. Alutala Mukhwana says voter education should be a continuous process rather than an activity limited to general election cycles.

Speaking during an interview with NTV on Monday, Mukhwana noted that the commission often struggles with inadequate budget allocations, which hampers its mandate.

“There is an assumption that once elections are over, nothing goes on at IEBC. Immediately after the polls, public interest fades and our budgets are slashed,” he said.

Mukhwana, who chairs the IEBC committee on voter education, stakeholder engagement, partnerships, and communications, emphasized that the commission has a responsibility to strengthen engagement even after elections.

“After a general election, that is when the commission should spend more time interacting with voters and explaining its mandate. We don’t close shop and wait for the next election,” he added.

The new commission, now 47 days in office, has pledged to restore public trust and deliver credible elections.

Earlier this month, IEBC announced that all pending by-elections will be held on November 27, 2025.

In a Gazette notice dated August 8, Chairperson Erastus Ethekon listed 16 ward by-elections across the country, bringing to an end a prolonged period in which some seats had remained vacant for more than two years.