Elog warns against 'tyranny of numbers'

Friday, August 9, 2013 - 00:00 -- BY FRANCIS MUREITHI

The Elections Observation Group has recommended a raft of changes to the electoral system to ensure a more credible process during the next polls.

The group has said the setbacks in the March 4 election should be addressed before the country goes to the next polls.

Elog cautioned against the “tyranny of numbers” saying it is a clear indication that the country is still in the “political woods”.

In a report released yesterday, the observer group said tyranny of numbers is fueling negative ethnicity. Elog said it needs to be fixed it if Kenya wants to have free and fair elections.

“The two largest coalitions rallied their ethnic supporters behind their respective candidates leaving little doubts that one of them did not succeed only because it fell short in numbers,” the report read.

It proposed the enactment of the Campaign and Political Financing law.

“This will create transparency and eliminate corruption and improper influence in the electoral process,” the report read.

Elog said the law will enhance fair competition and protect the electoral process from being corrupted and used as an avenue for money laundering.

The Campaign Financing Bill is before the National Assembly and will be among the proposed laws to be considered once MPs return after the one month recess.

Elog has said challenges experienced in the last elections with electronic technologies should be addressed.

It said clear procedures on the procurement of electronic equipment by the IEBC should be established, made public and completed within set timelines.

The group said the IEBC should be conscious of the time available when introducing technology in the management of elections.

“Introduction of technology too close to the elections does not allow for adequate testing of its efficiency and effectiveness,” Elog said.

The observer group said IEBC should allow for independent audits of new systems before rolling them out.

Elog has asked IEBC to consult before introducing technology in elections and to enhance transparency in voter registration.

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