Elections are at the core of the country’s robust democratic system as they enable the people to choose their leaders freely. It is expensive but essential; hence the need to take measures to curb mismanagement and theft through efficient procurement of electoral materials and payment for services.
After the transparently elected leadership is sworn in, it can now mobilise the people to realise development goals. By holding elections every five years without fail since independence six decades ago, the country has demonstrated that the importance of this national exercise cannot be gainsaid.
This is a global system entrenched by Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which establishes a set of core principles for democratic elections within the political system. Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his or her country, directly or through freely chosen representatives. The will of the people is expressed in periodic and genuine elections.
In just under a year, Kenyans will go to the polls again to elect their leaders all the way from the wards in the 47 counties to the highest office in the land, the national presidency.
The challenge of procuring voting materials and low public confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) are among the major factors driving up the cost of elections.
As a new study has established, Kenya’s elections are among the most expensive in the region, the continent and globally. According to the report, the IEBC spends more when the incumbent is seeking re-election, with disputed election results being handled by the Supreme Court. This, it is feared, could get worse next year.
The public mistrust, fear of election rigging, and limited transparency require the IEBC to do more to build reassurance in the agency’s handling of this major national undertaking. Everything possible should be done to ensure a free and fair election for peace and stability.
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