INEC Extends Membership Register Deadline for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an extension of the deadline for political parties to submit their membership registers for the upcoming 2027 elections. The new deadline is set for May 10, 2026, an extension from the previous deadline of April 21, 2026.

This decision was communicated by the INEC Chairman during a meeting with the voter education committee and follows concerns raised during discussions with political parties on March 24, 2026. The adjustment aligns with the 21-day submission period prescribed in Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026.

Political parties are required to fix their primary election dates within the approved period of April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026. However, registered political parties must submit their membership registers to INEC no later than 21 days before their respective primaries.