KALONZO: A Path to True Democracy: Reflections from the Roadmap to Electoral Reforms
KALONZO: A Path to True Democracy: Reflections from the Roadmap to Electoral Reforms.
By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI (Editor)
The COUNTY DIARY News
On September 17, 2024, the city of Nairobi witnessed a pivotal moment in Kenya's democratic journey. The National Conference on the Roadmap to the Finalisation of Electoral Reforms, ahead of the 2027 General Elections, brought together a diverse group of leaders, delegates, and citizens, all united by a common goal: to ensure a transparent and legitimate electoral process.
The conference opened with a stirring address by HE Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, EGH., SC, who articulated a strong sense of duty and purpose. As he stood before the assembly, Dr. Musyoka's words echoed the collective yearning for a democracy that truly reflects the will of its people. His message was clear: this conference was not just another political gathering but a critical step toward enhancing Kenya's democratic processes.
Dr. Musyoka began by acknowledging the crucial role played by the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA). He praised their unwavering commitment to electoral reforms, noting their significant contribution to addressing the structural and legal challenges within Kenya’s election system. The progress made so far, he emphasized, was a testament to ELGIA’s dedication to fostering a more transparent and equitable society.
A significant portion of his speech focused on the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which he had the honor of co-chairing. The report had outlined various reforms, including the reconstitution and restructuring of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Dr. Musyoka expressed a firm belief in the necessity of these changes to rebuild public trust in the electoral process. He lamented the lack of political goodwill and institutional interference that had prevented the full implementation of these reforms.
Dr. Musyoka's address highlighted the pressing need for the IEBC to be reconstituted. He pointed out the detrimental effects of its current inactivity, including delays in holding by-elections and reviewing border delimitation. The absence of representation in critical constituencies, such as Banisa, Kisa East, Tana River, and Ugunja, was a stark reminder of the urgent need for an operational IEBC.
The speech also addressed the challenges posed by recent decisions and actions that seemed to undermine the reforms. Dr. Musyoka criticized the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal's recent decision, which he felt disregarded the constitutional requirement for gender representation in the IEBC selection panel. He called for a fair and transparent process, urging the Parliamentary Service Commission to move forward with the nomination of Amb. Dr. Koki Muli Grignon as the representative for the Minority Party.
Central to Dr. Musyoka’s address was the theme of electoral justice and transparency. He acknowledged past grievances and the need to address flaws revealed in the 2022 elections. Emphasizing the importance of implementing NADCO’s recommendations, he called on all stakeholders—political parties, civic society, and government organizations—to work collaboratively toward meaningful electoral reforms.
Inclusivity was another key focus. Dr. Musyoka stressed the need to ensure that women, youth, and people with disabilities are not only able to participate in the electoral process but also have a say in shaping the nation’s future. He highlighted the underrepresentation of women and urged for measures to increase their participation in both voting and leadership roles.
The role of technology in elections was also a significant topic. Dr. Musyoka advocated for secure, transparent, and tamper-proof technology to enhance the integrity of the electoral process. He called for a comprehensive audit of the electronic voting system to address concerns about data security and ensure that every vote is counted.
Strengthening electoral institutions was another crucial point in his speech. Dr. Musyoka emphasized the need for fully resourced institutions, including the IEBC and the judiciary, to operate without fear or favor. He stressed the importance of maintaining their independence from political pressures to serve the needs of the people effectively.
The role of political leaders, according to Dr. Musyoka, was to prioritize the nation’s interests over partisanship. He urged leaders to commit to the implementation of electoral reforms as outlined in the NADCO report to ensure the fairness and integrity of future elections.
Dr. Musyoka concluded his address by highlighting the challenges related to voter registration and ID card issuance. He pointed out issues such as corruption, youth disenfranchisement, and bureaucratic hurdles that could affect voter turnout and representation. Addressing these challenges, he argued, was essential for ensuring equitable and universal participation in the electoral process.
In a call to action, Dr. Musyoka urged everyone to embrace the opportunity to improve Kenya’s electoral system. He framed the upcoming elections as a chance to align with the Gen Z revolution—a movement toward a Kenya where every vote counts and election results are undisputed.
The National Conference was a testament to Kenya's commitment to democratic reforms. As delegates left the conference hall, they carried with them the hope and determination to see these reforms through, ensuring that the 2027 General Elections would truly reflect the will of the people and set a new standard for transparency and fairness in Kenya’s democratic processes.
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