The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel has found itself at the center of controversy after accusations surfaced that six candidates were secretly added to the list of nominees. These claims have sparked widespread concern about the fairness and transparency of the ongoing recruitment process for the IEBC positions.
In response to these allegations, Nelson Makanda, the chairperson of the panel, held a press conference on April 25, 2025, to provide clarification on the matter.
Makanda assured the public that the selection panel had adhered to all constitutional and legal procedures in conducting the recruitment. He emphasized that the process was transparent and in line with the necessary requirements outlined by law. According to Makanda, the inclusion of the six additional candidates was part of a strategy to ensure fairness and regional balance in the selection process.
This decision aimed to ensure that the final list of nominees was representative and inclusive of all regions, as well as in line with constitutional principles of youth representation.
The updated shortlist now includes 111 candidates, a big increase from the original list of 105 candidates. Makanda explained that this change was the result of a review that took place on April 25, 2025, and that the adjustment was made to guarantee that the recruitment process met all the statutory demands.
The interviews for the IEBC chairperson took place from March 24 to March 26, 2025, and the interviews for the member positions ran from March 27 to April 25, 2025. Out of the 111 shortlisted candidates for the member position, 107 attended the interviews, while four candidates withdrew for personal reasons.
File image from the swearing-in ceremony of the IEBC Selection Panel
Despite this explanation, the sudden inclusion of six new candidates, some of whom are political figures like Hassan Noor Hassan and Jibril Maalim Mohamed, has sparked an uproar.
Legal experts and politicians have raised concerns about the fairness of the process, with some questioning whether the last-minute additions were made to favor certain individuals.
These political figures were not on the initial shortlist, and their unexpected inclusion has raised doubts about the integrity of the recruitment process.
The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), which is tasked with ensuring accountability in government processes, has demanded that the IEBC selection panel explain the changes. The CAJ has given the panel a seven-day deadline to provide detailed information about how these six candidates were selected and added to the list. They have also requested a clear timeline outlining when the decision to include these candidates was made.
The IEBC selection panel’s transparency is under intense scrutiny. Many are calling for a more open and accountable recruitment process, especially given the critical role that the IEBC plays in overseeing the country’s elections. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by institutions responsible for ensuring fairness in electoral processes.
