This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
The Building Bridges Initiative task force has proposed significant reforms to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in a report released on November 27, 2019.
According to the report, commissioners of the IEBC would be nominated by political parties, rather than being appointed by the President and confirmed by the National Assembly.
‘A mechanism be devised that gives leaders of parliamentary political parties a role in the recruitment of Commissioners of IEBC. In nominating candidates to be Commissioners, the political party leaders should nominate individuals who are non-partisan, with a record of accomplishment and integrity, and who are not known political supporters or activists of the party,’ the report read.
The report also suggested reducing the term of commissioners from six years to a three-year contract, renewable only once if their performance is good. Otherwise, it will be terminated.
This change aims to prevent the continuation of errors by enabling each Commission at one time in its term to make appointments.
Additionally, the report proposed that the IEBC Chairman be the CEO who doubled up the commission’s secretary, and that the cost of administering elections in the country be reduced.
The Yusuf Haji led team also called for reforms in the present electoral system to ensure it is simple, accurate, verifiable, secure, accountable and transparent as mandated by Article 86 of the Constitution.
