Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-09 18:44:24
A panel led by President William Ruto has been tasked with the responsibility of recruiting the new chairman and commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The panel recently announced its intention to resume the selection process, which has been a source of contention with the Raila Odinga-led team. The Odinga-led team is demanding that the process be guided by a negotiated document produced by the two teams, setting the stage for potential strain in relations.
Chairman Nelson Makanda, the head of the IEBC selection panel, released a press statement outlining the panel’s plans to continue the recruitment process, which had faced challenges in recent months. The statement confirmed that three stages of verification for all the applications received for the positions of Chairperson and members of the IEBC had been completed. Makanda also indicated that the panel was in the process of concluding the shortlisting of candidates and preparing for subsequent interviews.
The selection process had faced interruptions, stopping the Dr. Makanda-led panel from completing its work. However, before the interruption, the panel had already invited applications for the chairperson post and those of six commissioners. Despite the panel’s progress, a team co-chaired by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah had suggested the process be started afresh. They also proposed expanding the membership of the selection panel from seven to nine members. This further complicates the selection process and highlights the differing views on how the process should be carried out.
National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi has insisted that the selection of the electoral agency bosses should be guided by the Bomas Talks team report. This indicates a deep divide in the approach to the selection process, adding to the challenges faced by the IEBC Selection Panel. According to Wandayi, the process should adhere strictly to the National Dialogue Committee report, and any other method would result in a biased IEBC.
The statement by Dr. Makanda also revealed that the IEBC Selection Panel faced financial constraints that hindered the completion of the selection process. However, steps are being taken to secure funding for the panel’s activities, as the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Moses Wetang’ula, is working towards this goal. Despite the challenges, the panel is committed to conducting the recruitment exercise impartially, fairly, and transparently. The public can expect continuous updates on the progress of the recruitment exercise.
The IEBC and the selection panel have been the subject of debate by a bipartisan team that is focused on finding a method of selecting new IEBC commissioners. As Kenyans await the resolution of the ongoing impasse at the commission, all eyes are on the IEBC. The retirement of Chairman Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu, as well as the resignations of Juliana Cherera and Justus Nyang’aya, have created significant challenges for the commission.
In conclusion, the selection process for the new chairman and commissioners of the IEBC is facing a myriad of challenges, including disagreement on the approach, financial constraints, and balancing the demands for an impartial, fair, and transparent selection process. The decisions made by the IEBC Selection Panel will have a significant impact on the future of the commission and the electoral process in Kenya.
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