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Ekuru Aukot: How to make IEBC better for next polls

Aukot said that the move will help reduce the cost of running the government.

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by JAMES MBAKA

News01 August 2023 - 16:10
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In Summary


  • He added that constitutional commissions have become costly to run hence they should be run like parastatal boards.
  • Aukot said that part of addressing the cost of living crisis includes investing more in devolution so that Kenyans can feel the government at the grassroots.
Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot.

Thirdway Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot has listed ways to make the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission better for the next general elections.

Aukot said that the move will help reduce the cost of running the government.

In a statement, the leader said that IEBC should not comprise more than five part-time commissioners.

"The commissioners shall sit on a necessity basis and shall be paid a sitting allowance per sitting to reduce the cost of running IEBC such as security, pension, gratuity and hefty salaries," he said.

He added that constitutional commissions have become costly to run hence they should be run like parastatal boards.

"There's no justification for having IEBC commissioners and any other commissioners paid hefty salaries monthly yet they are not involved in the daily operations of their respective organization," he said.

Aukot said the framers of the constitution visioned the commissioner's main role as overseeing policy implementation and this does not need to be on a full-time basis.

He added that IEBC needs a strong secretariat and adequate disbursement of funds in good time for voter education and sensitization.

"Voter registration should be disbanded and just declare every Kenyan of 18 years and above a legitimate voter then impose fines to Kenyans who choose not to vote," he said.

He said that part of addressing the cost of living crisis includes investing more in devolution so that Kenyans can feel the government at the grassroots.

His sentiments come in the wake of scheduled talks between President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga in a bid to address issues that affect Kenyans.

Azimio raised issues including the cost of living, audit of the 2022 elections, bipartisan reconstitution of the IEBC, inclusivity in national affairs and respect of political parties in line with the Constitution.

The coalition unveiled five members to represent the coalition on the proposed fresh talks with the Kenya Kwanza side.

The delegation will be led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka with Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi, former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni and Malindi MP Amina Mnyanzi as the other members.

The talks will be facilitated by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

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