Survey: All parties must agree on electoral reforms

Kenyans are concerned about the fate of the embattled electoral commission, according to the latest survey.

The study commissioned by the Catholic Church also stated that all parties must have confidence in the electoral agency to guarantee peaceful elections.

The report titled; "Election Agenda 2017 and Beyond-Elections Issuefication", says the integrity of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials is also central in ensuring free and fair elections.

"However, this cannot be achieved simply by replacing the commissioners. We must build confidence among the electorate and strengthen the electoral system," the report says.

According to the report, electoral reforms have dominated discussions among Kenyans, and everyone is urging caution when addressing changes at IEBC.

Tuesday, Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro acknowledged that the electoral commission should be beyond reproach while undertaking its duties.

He, however said, replacing commissioners may not be the answer.

Ethuro referred to China and India, which he said have leaner electoral commissions despite their huge populations, yet have never had issues with their elections.

"In Kenya, elections are emotive. Yet elections should not be a basis for violence but peace. Why should we replace commissioners after every five years? It means the problem could also be in the electoral system," he said.

Resolve standoff

Catholic Bishop Cornelius Korir, Senator Hassan Omar (Mombasa) and Fr Joseph Afulo, said all stakeholders must be involved in resolving the IEBC stand-off.

"Kenya has only had two peaceful elections, in 2002 and 2013. Based on the background of the violence that has been witnessed before, it is incumbent upon the leadership and the electoral body to build trust among citizens," said Korir.

Omar said findings of the select committee on IEBC must be agreed upon by both sides. "We will not allow a matter of national importance to be handled by just 14 people," he added.

Fr Afulo said the country needs sound electoral laws. "We must go beyond replacing the commissioners. We need a lasting solution to address the issue of mistrust," he said.

He added: "Instead of replacing the electoral officers every election year, let us come up with tough penalties to deter those planning to cause problems during elections."