Civil Society Organizations Rally for IEBC Reconstitution and Electoral Reforms
In a significant gathering held on December 2nd, 2024, leading civil society organizations including the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA), Election Observation Group (ELOG), Transparency International Kenya (TI-Kenya), Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya), and Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO) under the Uchaguzi Platform convened to address pressing concerns about Kenya’s electoral preparedness.
The meeting, held under the banner focused on the urgent need to reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The organizations collectively amplified the #AppointIEBCNow campaign, emphasizing that further delays in appointing IEBC commissioners could potentially trigger political instability and heighten the risk of electoral violence.
During the session, participants examined the proposed Elections (Amendment) Bill, No. 11 of 2024, which introduces substantial reforms to Kenya’s electoral framework. Key provisions discussed included the finalization of polling station results, mandatory electronic transmission of presidential election results within two hours, and the introduction of post-election evaluations by the IEBC.
A significant development highlighted during the meeting was the proposed transfer of nomination responsibilities from the IEBC to the Registrar of Political Parties, aimed at enhancing efficiency in election management. The civil society organizations expressed support for this reform, viewing it as a step toward streamlining electoral processes.
The gathering demonstrated the unified stance of civil society organizations in advocating for electoral reforms and emphasized their commitment to ensuring transparent, free, and fair elections in Kenya. Through their collective effort, these organizations continue to play a crucial role in shaping Kenya's democratic future and ensuring that every citizen's voice is heard in the electoral process.
