The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) yesterday launched the post-election evaluation report as the electoral body’s chairperson Wafula Chebukati and two other commissioners prepare to exit.
The report analysed the conduct of the 2022 General Election that was termed largely peaceful but was marred with drama minutes to the announcement of the presidential election results.
Chebukati alongside commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye exit the commission today after serving their six-year nonrenewable terms.
During the launch of the evaluation report, Chebukati took the opportunity to highlight achievements of the commission as he exits.
“Over the past six years of our tenure at the commission, we ensured devolution of operations from 17 regions to 47 county offices complete with key staff. County election managers and senior election officers at the constituencies are permanent staff who are gazetted as county and constituency returning officers respectively,” he said.
The evaluation report outlined key recommendations to enhance stability at the commission and recommended appointment of commissioners at least two years before a General Election.
The report also called for continuous benchmarking with other electoral management bodies to adopt the best policies and practices.
It recommended appointment of commissioners at least two years before a General Election and continuous benchmarking with other electoral management bodies to adopt the best policies and practices.
The report also called for enhanced engagement with Parliament to fast-track proposed amendments to ensure relevant electoral laws are in place in good time before the election.
It also called for strengthening access controls to ensure only persons eligible to be at the tallying centres access them.
It suggests provision of risk allowances for IEBC staff and adequate security to them and their families during elections.
It also proposes operationalisation of the IEBC Fund and acquisition of commission-owned headquarters to enhance its independence.
In the report, the commission also calls for adoption of a Joint Security Response Approach throughout the electoral cycle.
Additionally, Chebukati yesterday revealed that the commission had written to President William Ruto to probe the Bomas chaos saying the 2022 poll witnessed the highest number of attempts to undermine independence of the agency and usurp its powers.
He cited intimidation by security organs, lobbying by the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC), disinformation campaigns and the murder of a returning officer as some of the attacks against IEBC.
