An election is the result of a complex process requiring the participation of a multitude of players. There are winners and losers in every election.
The stakes are high, and there is a great temptation to ensure victory through illegal or ethically questionable means. Election results can be rigged or disrupted to predetermine who will win or lose, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the process.
Electoral integrity cannot be taken for granted. Mechanisms for promoting and maintaining integrity in every aspect of the electoral process are often established within the official bodies that administer or support the administration of elections.
These mechanisms make it possible to monitor actions of the electoral administration, ensure oversight of the electoral process by other government sectors or agencies, civil society, and the media and provide for enforcement of electoral rules and regulations through administrative or legal means.
Consistent, legitimate electoral standards and practices help detect, deter and prevent electoral improprieties and illegalities, and help ensure integrity. A legal framework generally establishes protection mechanisms and determines the institutional structure to support electoral integrity.
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Real 'dynasties' have come back together, can fresh 'hustlers' voice emerge?
From defiance to concessions: Ruto's gamble with opposition
The electoral commission is facing corruption allegations levelled against some commissioners. The chicken gate scandal has become synonymous with the IEBC.
The head of ICT has already been arraigned in court. The Opposition, Church and civil society all want IEBC disbanded.
All the controversy surrounding IEBC leaves me with one logical conclusion — we cannot have an election in 2017 under the current commission.
