Last month, both the National Assembly and the Senate agreed on the IEBC amendment bill, which President Ruto signed into law yesterday, marking the start of the process to appoint new commissioners. The bill has broadened the criteria for commissioner appointments to include expertise in information technology and accounting, aiming to enhance the agency’s efficiency.
Moreover, the newly enacted law mandates that candidates must demonstrate substantial knowledge and possess a minimum of ten years’ experience to qualify for IEBC membership.
Under the revised electoral legislation, the vice-chairperson or any other commissioner is now barred from assuming the chairperson’s role in an acting capacity in the event of a vacancy. This measure is intended to uphold clear lines of responsibility within the electoral body.
“The proposed amendments are poised to clarify roles within the IEBC, reduce ambiguity in leadership responsibilities, and broaden the Commission’s expertise.
“By setting a fixed term for the Secretary and mandating reviews of general elections, the Bill promotes administrative stability and accountability,” Senate Justice Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee report reads.
“The revised procedures for delimitation of electoral boundaries and the expanded selection panel are expected to enhance representation and inclusivity, fostering greater public trust in the electoral system.”
The new law also extends the term of the Secretary to the Commission from the current three years, renewable once, to a four-year term, renewable once. This adjustment aims to promote continuity in the Commission’s operations. Additionally, the Bill retains the unexpired term of the current Secretary.
The absence of substantive commissioners prevents the electoral agency from fulfilling crucial duties such as conducting by-elections and boundary delimitation.
