IEBC sets campaign spending rules ahead of 2027 poll

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) gazetted new campaign financing regulations and spending limits ahead of the 2027 General Election, paving the way for tighter scrutiny of political money.

The regulations, gazetted on Saturday, August 8, 2026, will govern campaign financing for candidates and political parties contesting the August 10, 2027 elections.

In a statement issued Saturday, the IEBC said the framework sets rules on campaign contributions and expenditure, record-keeping, disclosure, reporting, auditing, monitoring, compliance and enforcement.

The Commission said the prescribed spending ceilings are intended to promote a level playing field by preventing financial resources from disproportionately influencing political participation, access to voters and electoral competition.

The regulations follow a High Court decision in Constitutional Petition No. E540 of 2021, consolidated with Petition No. E546 of 2021, which directed the electoral commission to develop regulations, subject them to public participation and establish a framework for setting campaign contribution and spending limits.

The IEBC subsequently reviewed the campaign financing framework and consulted political parties, aspiring candidates, civil society organisations, State agencies, marginalised groups and other stakeholders.

The Commission said recommendations gathered during the public participation process were considered and incorporated into the final regulations where appropriate.

With the regulations now gazetted, the IEBC said the process has moved from development and consultation to implementation and enforcement.

“Political parties, candidates, campaign teams, donors and other regulated persons have been directed to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and ensure compliance,” the Commission said.

The electoral body said it will monitor, verify, audit and investigate campaign financing activities and take enforcement action where necessary.

IEBC Chairman Erastus Edung Ethekon said the framework was essential to safeguarding the integrity of electoral competition while protecting constitutional rights to political participation and freedom of expression.