Kenya should hire two commissioners from overseas to end the impasse persistently seen in the management of electoral processes, notes Prof Nyachieo Bogonko.
The political scientist remarks come amidst protests from opposition Cord which is calling for the disbandment of IEBC.
Bogonko on Wednesday urged the embattled commissioners to willfully leave office and allow the appointment of a team that can be trusted by both sides involved in a political contest.
“Kenya can only have a smooth electoral process if we hire two foreign commissioners who can work with a local team. The two may promote impartiality and clear persistent credibility questions surrounding the local team,” he said.
“It’s my appeal to the current commissioners of IEBC to eat a humble pie and resign because it will be difficult to conduct polls given that one team has already doubted their credibility. This will be good for the country and it will avert future chaos propagated by electoral disputes,” he added.
He said the foreign experts would improve neutrality a part from boosting trust among political parties in future elections.
“I don’t think foreign experts will ever be interpreted parties in a local poll. We have seen foreigners being appointed to independent enquiry commissions and this one will be no difference. They will boost the neutrality factor,” he said.
He urged members of the political class to have a dialogue on the limbo surrounding the IEBC and help craft the best way forward.
“As it stands, I think the IEBC should pack and go. Perhaps it’s important for political parties and other stake holders to hold dialogue and fasten the appointment of a new commission to boost trust among interested parties,” he said.