The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has introduced draft regulations aimed at tightening campaign finance rules ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Election Campaign Financing Regulations, 2026 propose mandatory campaign bank accounts for all candidates and political parties, strict spending limits, and comprehensive disclosure and audit requirements.
Key Provisions of the Draft Regulations
- All candidates and parties must appoint authorised campaign finance managers.
- Opening designated campaign bank accounts to handle all donations and expenditures.
- Maintaining detailed records of monetary and in-kind contributions.
- Regular submission of financial reports to the IEBC.
- Enforcement of spending limits to ensure fairness.
IEBC Chairperson Edung Ethekon emphasized that these measures are designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process. He noted that the commission began reviewing the campaign finance framework shortly after taking office and has engaged stakeholders including political parties, civil society, and election observers to refine the draft rules.
"We want to prevent financial influence from undermining the voters' free will," Ethekon said, highlighting that the reforms align with international best practices such as those in the United States, where campaign funding is closely monitored to promote public trust.
The IEBC plans to conclude public consultations soon and submit the regulations to Parliament by August 2026 to ensure the legal framework is operational well ahead of the elections.
