No horse-trading in IEBC – Annan group warns

By Moses Njagih and Lucianne Limo

The Committee of Eminent Persons has warned members of the coalition government partners against engaging in political horse-trading in recruiting members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The Kofi Annan-led group also called for speedy resolution of the dispute regarding the date for the next general election saying the current lack of clarity over the matter could heighten tensions as the country moves towards the election year.

"As the country approaches the next General Election, there is need to fast-track the enactment of electoral laws in order to make adequate preparations for a clean and peaceful election.

"Importantly, the date for the next general election must be clarified soonest possible in order to prepare everyone and put the logistical measures in place early enough," the committee said.

On IEBC the committee said that it was important that the new electoral body be constituted in an environment devoid of political interference for it to enjoy the support of Kenyans.

In its latest report on the current situation of the coalition government’s progress in addressing the reform agenda, the committee urged the government to ensure that political or ethnic considerations do not come to play in the formation of the new electoral body.

"It is hoped that when the new body is set up, political horse-trading and ethnic considerations will not take precedence over the national values," said the committee.

The committee stressed the need of ensuring that the electoral body, which will be constituted enjoys the trust of Kenyans, saying the constitution of the new body should mark a new chapter in management of elections in Kenya.

The team also rooted for a powerful commission, capable of handling elections without political manipulations.

"It is important for the IEBC to be unencumbered by any perceptions of bias. The trust of most Kenyans in having free and fair elections rests with the formation of a new powerful electoral body," said the committee that also includes former Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa and former South Africa First Lady Graca Machel.

The caution from the eminent persons came at a time when the panel tasked to recruit members of the new electoral team concluded interviewing candidates for the chairman’s position.

The Dr Ekuru Aukot-led panel has already interviewed candidates for the membership of the commission. The new commission will have nine members.

The committee hailed the stipulations of the Elections Bill (2011), saying it had greatly addressed the challenges openly abused by politicians and election officials to subvert justice in elections.

"The Bill provides for stiff penalties for electoral officials who subvert a free and fair election. It insulates the commission from political manipulation by specifying timeliness, for which Parliament is required to dispense

with the final boundary report, failure to which the commission can by-pass it and forward its report for publication," they say.

Hailing the progress made so far in the reform agenda, the committee says more needs to be done, especially in police reforms.

The committee says there is limited progress in areas of national cohesion, reconciliation and the fight against impunity.