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Pick IEBC commissioners the public can trust

East African Court of Justice judge Charles Nyachae, former Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Atieno Amadi, the current Chief Magistrate in Naivasha Law Courts Abdulqadir Lorot Ramadan, and Edward Katama Ngeywa.

Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo/ Nation Media Group

The search for a new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson and commissioners has officially begun, marking the start of a crucial 33-day recruitment process that will shape the future of Kenya’s electoral body.

Following the exit of the previous commission members in 2023, the nine-member selection panel faces the important task of identifying candidates who meet the legal requirements and, more importantly, command the public’s trust. With by-elections and the boundaries delimitation looming, the outcome of this process will have far-reaching implications for the integrity of Kenya’s electoral system.

The pressure is on to ensure that the chosen leaders can effectively guide the commission during these pivotal moments in the country’s democratic journey.

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From a broader perspective, this recruitment process presents an opportunity for Kenya to restore confidence in the IEBC. While it is essential to prioritise competence, the selection panel must also ensure that transparency is maintained throughout the process.

In a nation where electoral integrity has often been questioned, the public is keenly observing whether this process can result in a neutral, credible and trustworthy commission. The tight timeline adds pressure, but it could also be a chance for the IEBC to emerge stronger and more unified.

The success of this recruitment will largely depend on the panel’s ability to balance qualifications with public perception, potentially paving the way for a fairer and more transparent electoral system in the future.

 Faith Cherop Chepkwony, Laikipia University

The IEBC selection panel has started interviewing candidates for the positions of chairperson and commissioners in the electoral commission. The panel should not be biased and ensure it gives Kenyans commissioners of high integrity with no political affiliations.

It is unfortunate that some of the candidates for the positions have political affiliations. Such candidates should not be given a chance to oversee the elections because they cannot be expected to be neutral.

Edward B. Wekesa, Bungoma