Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission reshuffles election co-ordinators

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reshuffled returning officers across the country to improve voter registration.

The commission Chief Executive Ezra Chiloba said the 17 regional election co-ordinators (RECs) and 290 constituency election co-ordinators (CECs), commonly known as returning officers, have been redeployed to where they were recruited from for efficiency.

Mr Chiloba said the move would help link institutional performance to individuals and offer greater accountability.

"The commission's policy is meant to enhance delivery of electoral services especially in voter registration. We are of the view that the decision will lead to improved performance in voter registration," he said.

Chiloba said reshuffling the commission's staff is not unusual and that the officers will help in sensitising the locals to register as voters and that they will be reshuffled again just before the 2017 poll.

The commission also wants those who have turned 18 years to register as voters.

IEBC Corporate Communications Manager Tabitha Mutemi termed the transfers and the reshuffle as normal, adding that the commission is keen on ensuring the officials interact well with the voters.

"The commission is convinced that those recruited at their constituencies understand the area and the people well and can help in mobilising the public to register with ease," said Ms Mutemi.

And with only 713 days left before the next General Election, IEBC commissioners are also locked in grueling negotiations for an amended law with the legislators.

At stake is close to 40 amendments, which IEBC wants added to the current Elections Act to enable a free, fair and credible 2017 election.

The 40 amendments have been framed from the confusion and lessons learned from the conduct of the 2013 General Election.

The Opposition insists that it cannot go to another election with the current commission as currently instituted.

Instead, they have suggested that the commissioners be seconded by the various political parties.