The Centre for Multiparty Democracy- Kenya (CMD-Kenya) has proposed that commissioners at IEBC should elect their chairperson.
In submissions to the National Dialogue Committee, CMD-Kenya further proposed that IEBC commissioners be appointed to office 12 months after elections and should hold office for only one term.
“We submit that IEBC commissioners be recommended from and represent political parties,” CMD- Kenya chairperson Priscilla Nyokabi said.
She said the criteria should be pegged on the strength of a political party based on the percentage of the national vote garnered in the previous general elections.
Currently, IEBC commissioners and the chair are appointed by the President of Kenya, after a selection panel has recommended them.
Those nominated for the roles must be confirmed by the Kenyan Parliament.
Each member serves a six-year term.
By law, no Commissioner can be a member of a political party, and at least four votes are required for any official Commission action.
The President appoints the selection panel for the recruitment of the nominees for appointment as the Chairperson and members of the IEBC.
The panel considers applications for the position of chairperson and commissioners, shortlists candidates and conducts interviews in public.
It then forwards the two names for chairperson and nine names for commissioners slots to the President.
The Head of State is expected to, within seven days, send to Parliament the names of the Chairperson and six commissioners for approval.
Nyokabi further said responsibilities, authority, and accountability between commissioners and staff should be adequately clear especially the role of the CEO vis-à-vis the Chairman and Commissioners.
“There is a need to develop an improved organizational structure to increase efficiency and accountability,” she said.
CMD-Kenya is a political parties’ membership organization that exists to promote, strengthen and defend multiparty democracy in Kenya.
The organisation provides a platform for political parties, political actors and policymakers to engage in dialogue and cooperate in strengthening multiparty democracy, and promote meaningful political participation, good governance practices, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as essential pillars of social justice.
CMD-Kenya further proposed the creation of a protected fund for IEBC akin to the Judiciary Fund.
“This, we reckon could help address challenges arising from the IEBC being subjected to the National Assembly that is sometimes perceived as being captured by the Executive,” Nyokabi added.
She called for timely and predictable funding may enable the commission to 8 adequately prepare and execute its mandate.