The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

IIEC prepares to quit office as mandate expires

Business

By The Standard Business | Nov 30, 2010

By BEAUTTAH OMANGA

Uncertainty has gripped the Interim Independent Electoral Commissioner over their future as the expiry of their mandate as per calendar beckoned.

The Commissioners led by Chairman Issak Hassan finished a two-day retreat in Naivasha where they took stock of what they had achieved and what they had left pending in readiness for their exit.

"We have been meeting in Naivasha reviewing our two years in office and at the same time preparing our handing over report in case a new commission is established to take over," said Hassan.

He said all the nine commissioners were ready for any eventuality but clarified that they were still in office until a new body is established.

Keep Reading business

The new law stipulates that the IIEC and the now defunct Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission be merged to created a new electoral and boundaries Commission.

Hassan said the meeting being attended by the commissioners and all the directors of various departments at the commission were also polishing a five-year strategic plan, which they had worked out.

"We had pieced together what to us is an elaborate strategic plan on what we would wish to see done to ensure a democratic electoral system in the country and respect of the rule of law by all players including political parties, which we discussed and agreed upon on its contents," said the chairman.

He said the plan will be availed to the public for debate and adjustments if need be. He disclosed that during the two-day retreat, experts from key sectors of government facilitated the electoral team.

The chairman said they invited three experts whose input was significant in developing vision 2030 to help review and rework on the five-year strategic plan to align it with the vision.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo said he would advocate for the retention of the majority of the IIEC Commissioners in the yet to be formed Electoral and boundaries Commission.

"The Hassan team has done Kenya proud and we are pleased as a line ministry with their performance. It will be ideal for continuity purposes to let them be part of the yet to be formed commission," said Mutula.

He said those to be retained might be joined by some from the now defunct IIBRC but depending on a parliamentary decision. The minister said parliament will have a final say on who becomes a member of the new commission.

Lawyer Paul Muite said the Hassan-led commission had the mandate of being in office until a new team is constituted as per the new constitution’s sixth schedule.

Ends