The ongoing IEBC talks may not achieve the intended purpose if the main focus is about representation of political party interests at the commission by merely having a say on the next batch of commissioners.
This is another case of musical chairs similar to that of past elections where new commissioners are ritually appointed at the last minute.
The IEBC should be overhauled by having young, energetic and hands on commissioners with expertise in IT, operations, logistics and strategy. There is misconception that IEBC commissioners must be lawyers and grey haired.
The law should allow commissioners to have far reaching executive powers to monitor issues and effect changes up to county level. The powers of the commission‘s CEO, chairman and commissioners should be sychronised for collective responsibility and accountability.
A temporary command of security agencies reporting to IEBC should be considered during electioneering period.
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The current setup makes the commissioners mere symbolic figure heads and seating ducks to power play by politicians.
Joe Musyoki, Kitengela
