The much-anticipated selection panel for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is taking shape. This development comes in the wake of the recent nomination and forwarding of nine candidates by five designated bodies, as stipulated by the newly enacted electoral law.
The IEBC selection panel’s formation marks a crucial phase in the recruitment of commissioners who will oversee Kenya’s electoral processes. The selection panel has been given a tight timeline of three months to finalize its recruitment exercise and submit the names of the selected nominees to the President. Post this submission, the panel will stand dissolved unless its mandate is extended by Parliament through a resolution passed in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
Nominees from Various Bodies
The Political Parties Liaison Committee, a body that plays a vital role in the electoral process by fostering dialogue between political parties and the IEBC, has put forward three nominees. Representing non-parliamentary parties is Evans Misati, while Nicodemus Bore and Augustus Muli have been nominated from the Majority and Minority parties, respectively. Their inclusion is expected to ensure a balanced representation of political interests in the selection process.
The Inter-Religious Council, which has historically contributed to the integrity of electoral processes, has retained Dr. Nelson Makanda and Fatuma Saman, both of whom served in the previous selection panel. Their retention is seen as a move to maintain continuity and leverage their experience in the recruitment exercise.
From the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Tanui Andrew Kipkoech has been nominated. His expertise is anticipated to bring financial and ethical oversight to the panel, ensuring that the selection process adheres to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
Pending Announcements
While seven nominees have already been confirmed, two more nominations are awaited. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Parliamentary Service Commission are yet to announce their representatives. The LSK chairperson, Faith Odhiambo, along with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, are expected to officially announce the nominees for the Lawyer’s body and the Parliamentary Service Commission, respectively, on Monday.
Responsibilities and Timeline
Once fully constituted, the selection panel will embark on the critical task of recruiting IEBC commissioners. They are mandated to complete this exercise within ninety days from their appointment. The selection process is expected to be rigorous, aiming to identify individuals of high integrity, professionalism, and impartiality to restore public confidence in the electoral body.
Potential Extension
In the event that the panel requires more time to ensure a thorough and transparent recruitment process, Parliament holds the authority to extend its tenure. Such an extension would require a resolution passed by both the National Assembly and the Senate, reflecting the importance of this exercise in the broader context of democratic governance in Kenya.
Conclusion
The formation of the IEBC selection panel is a pivotal moment for Kenya’s electoral landscape. With nominees from diverse backgrounds and sectors, the panel is poised to undertake the crucial task of selecting commissioners who will uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in the electoral process. As the panel commences its work, the nation watches with keen interest, hopeful that the outcome will contribute to strengthening the democratic framework of the country.
