The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued new directives to guide the handling of nomination disputes ahead of the upcoming November 27, 2025, by-elections across the country.
In a public notice dated October 9, 2025, and signed by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, the Commission announced that all disputes arising from or related to nominations must be determined within ten days of being filed and no later than October 21, 2025.
The directive is anchored in Article 88(4) of the Constitution, Section 4 of the IEBC Act (2011), and Regulations 98(1) and (2) of the Elections (General) Regulations (2012). It also follows Rule 4 of the Rules of Procedure on Settlement of Disputes (2012).
According to the Commission, parties are required to submit their complaints either physically at the IEBC headquarters, Anniversary Towers in Nairobi, or electronically through info@iebc.or.ke and ppl@iebc.or.ke. Complainants will be notified of hearing schedules via email or phone once their cases are received.
To streamline the process, IEBC has provided a Statutory Complaint Form accessible on its website. The directive also revokes two earlier gazette notices issued in August 2025 that contained conflicting provisions.
The by-elections will take place in 24 electoral areas, including constituencies and wards that became vacant due to nullifications and resignations.
IEBC Chairperson Ethekon emphasized that the Commission remains committed to conducting transparent, credible, and timely elections. Campaigns will run daily from 7am to 6pm and officially end on November 24, 48 hours before polling day.
Legal experts have praised the move as a key step in upholding electoral integrity and minimizing disputes that could delay poll preparations.
“The Commission urges all political parties and candidates to adhere to the code of conduct and maintain peace during the campaign period,” IEBC said on X.
