Wafula Chebukati’s proposal that could see change in electoral system

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has proposed a system of staggered elections in the country.

According to chairman Wafula Chebukati the country could have first election known as the county election, then later hold a presidential election.

“We propose that Kenyans elect their governors, senators and members of the county assembly (MCAs) in what is to be called county elections. Then after a year, they elect President, MPs and Women Representatives,” said Wafula Chebukati.

The commission has also explored other options like proportional representation or mixed member representation (MMR) in the proposal.

Chebukati urged Kenyans to back the proposal to change the electoral system in the country, which was adopted since colonial time.

“Our election system is that of first past the post (FPTP) also christened winner- takes-it-all. This system has been inherited from the colonial regime and is said to be the root cause of our highly-divisive elections,” Chebukati said.

IEBC Commissioner Prof Abdi Guliye said starting with the county elections first will ensure that there is no scramble by politicians to vie on the elected president’s political party system.

Proposals

Chebukati wants proportional representation in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast, shifting focus from individuals.

“Proportional representation provides opportunities for strengthening political parties and is the most widely used electoral system in the world. It removes focus from personalities, instead focusing on parties,” Chebukati said.

The proposed system is used in countries like South Africa, Botswana, Rwanda and Europe.