A collage of IEBC chairman Edung Ethekon and DCP party Leader Rigathi Gachagua./FILE
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has dismissed allegations of interference in the upcoming Magarini Constituency by-election, assuring political parties and the public that the poll will be conducted in a “free, fair, transparent, and credible manner.”
In a response to Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, the Commission said the concerns he raised over alleged meddling by IEBC officers were “weighty” but reaffirmed that all electoral processes are protected by established institutional safeguards.
The Commission was responding to Gachagua’s letter dated November 24, 2025, in which he claimed that a top IEBC officer was interfering with preparations for the November 27 by-election.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon acknowledged receipt of the letter and said the Commission had taken note of the issues raised.
“The allegations presented regarding the Magarini by-election scheduled for November 27 2025, are weighty and deserve the attention of the Commission,” he wrote.
Ethekon assured the DCP leader that the electoral agency treats all issues touching on integrity with the highest level of seriousness.
“The Commission wishes to assure your party, and the public, that all matters touching on the integrity of the electoral process are treated with utmost seriousness and subjected to established institutional safeguards,” he said.
In its detailed response, the Commission outlined the measures already in place to ensure the Magarini by-election is beyond reproach.
Ethekon emphasised that Returning Officers and poll officials have been appointed and trained through processes clearly defined in law.
On the recruitment and appointment of election officials, the Chairperson said the Commission followed the laid-down regulations.
“The Commission appointed Returning Officers on 8th August 2025 vide Gazette Notices Nos. 11158 and 11159 for purposes of conducting the upcoming by-election,” he noted, adding that the officers operate independently and are insulated from “intimidation, coercion, or undue influence from any person or entity.”
He further explained that the recruitment of poll officials was conducted in accordance with Regulations 5 and 6 of the Elections (General) Regulations, 2012, which require a “transparent, competitive, and merit-based process.”
Political parties were also given a chance to scrutinise the list of officials.
“In line with these provisions, the Commission shared the list of poll officials with political parties on 14th November 2025 to allow them an opportunity to make any representations or raise concerns,” he stated.
Ethekon also clarified that no polling or tallying officials had been deployed yet, noting that training is ongoing.
“No deployment to polling stations or tallying centres has occurred in any by-election area, ensuring that all final assignments follow due process and proper verification,” he said.
The Commission reiterated that all election officials—including returning officers, presiding officers and poll clerks—have been instructed to act strictly within the law.
“As independent election officials, they do not take instructions from any individual, political actor, or external interest,” the Chairperson emphasised.
The Magarini by-election has attracted heightened political interest, with parties raising concern about the neutrality, transparency, and security of the vote. The IEBC said the entire process will be conducted under multi-layered oversight.
“The by-election is scheduled to be conducted strictly within the electoral-legal framework, and in the presence of accredited observers, political party agents, and other authorized stakeholders,” the statement added.
Ethekon concluded by reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to a credible poll.
“The Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to delivering the Magarini By-Election in a free, fair, transparent and credible manner,” he said. “The integrity of the electoral process remains our highest priority, and we will continue to uphold the Constitution, the law, and all applicable regulations in the discharge of our mandate.”
Ethekon copied the letter to the Chairperson of the National Steering Committee of the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC).
