The country’s electoral body is set for a leadership change after the departure of its top administrator, a move that was made public on Tuesday following an emergency meeting of the commission.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission confirmed that its Chief Executive Officer, Marjan Hussein Marjan, has stepped down from his role, bringing to an end a long period of service at the institution.
According to the commission, the resignation has triggered immediate steps to ensure there is no disruption to its work.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said an interim officer will be appointed to act as CEO and Commission Secretary as the process of recruiting a substantive replacement begins. He explained that this transition is part of wider reforms meant to strengthen leadership continuity, accountability, and overall preparedness within the commission.
Ethekon emphasized that the IEBC Secretariat plays a central role in managing elections and related activities. He said the changes are aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness so that the commission can continue delivering credible, free, and fair elections.
The commission also assured the public that its operations, including ongoing by-elections and preparations for the 2027 General Elections, will continue without interruption.
In its statement, the commission acknowledged Marjan’s contribution since his formal appointment in March 2022. It noted that he provided steady leadership during challenging periods, including times when the commission did not have a full team of commissioners until July 2025. IEBC wished him well in his future engagements and thanked him for his service.
Marjan, in his own statement, said his decision to leave followed a mutual agreement with the commission to allow for a structured and smooth transition in the office. He expressed gratitude to his colleagues and staff for their support throughout his tenure. He said it had been an honour to work with a professional and dedicated team since he first joined the commission in April 2015.
He highlighted the efforts of staff during the 2022 General Election, saying their commitment under intense public scrutiny helped maintain continuity and build public confidence. Marjan described his time at the IEBC as enriching and urged staff to continue upholding the rule of law, integrity, and the democratic rights of citizens.
Marjan was confirmed as IEBC CEO on March 8, 2022, after emerging successful from a competitive recruitment process and was sworn in a week later. Before that, he had served in an acting capacity for five years following the exit of former CEO Ezra Chiloba in 2017.
His long service placed him at the center of the commission’s administrative work during a prolonged transition period.
