Boniface Mwangi presses IEBC to declare diaspora voting expansion plan

Boniface Mwangi presses IEBC to declare diaspora voting expansion plan

The request follows the commission’s announcement in September that it had approved the process of mapping additional countries as part of preparations for the second phase of Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR II).

Ukweli Party leader Boniface Mwangi has sought details from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on the implementation of its plan to expand diaspora voter registration from 12 to 26 countries ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election.

In a letter addressed to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, Mwangi requested information on registration timelines, funding, voter registration targets and operational arrangements for Kenyans living abroad.

Invoking Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act, 2016, Mwangi sought disclosure of the 16 additional countries proposed for inclusion, the designated registration centres and the status of approvals required for the expansion.

“The progressive realisation of the right to vote for Kenyans residing abroad is a constitutional obligation, not merely an administrative undertaking,” Mwangi stated in the letter.

He further sought the current number of registered diaspora voters, broken down by country and registration centre, as well as the commission’s projected registration targets for the 2027 elections.

The request also seeks details of the registration exercise under the second phase of Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR II), including commencement dates, registration periods, operating hours and measures to ensure eligible Kenyans abroad receive adequate notice and voter education.

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Mwangi asked the Commission to disclose the budget allocated to the expansion and clarify the respective responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kenyan diplomatic missions.

The presidential candidate and activist sought information on procedures for accrediting political party agents and election observers at diaspora registration centres and polling stations, alongside safeguards to promote transparency and accountability.

Citing estimates that between three and four million Kenyans live abroad and that diaspora remittances reached approximately $5.04 billion (Sh654.44 billion) in 2025, Mwangi argued that the diaspora’s economic contribution should be matched by opportunities for political participation.

“Kenyans in the diaspora should not be left uncertain about when, where and how they can register to participate in the 2027 General Election,” he stated.

Mwangi requested a substantive response within 14 days of receipt, where practicable.

The request follows the commission’s announcement in September that it had approved the process of mapping additional countries as part of preparations for the second phase of Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR II).