EAC political parties root for regional poll body

Political parties from the East African Community want an independent electoral commission formed for the region.

This is part of recommendations after the parties' meeting in Nairobi last week agreed on a panel of eminent persons established to arbitrate electoral disputes.

At least 60 political parties, drawn from the EAC member states attended the meeting that ended over the weekend.

Government representatives, members of parliaments, registrars of political parties, national electoral commission bodies, national human rights commissions, internal security sector and law enforcement representatives also attended the meeting. 

The political parties said there was need for a lasting solution to be found for the prevalent rejection of election outcomes in the region.

The meeting, whose theme was "Exploring the Role of Political parties in EAC integration", recommended the establishment of an East African Independent Electoral Commission," said a communiqué containing the meeting's recommendations.

The political parties recommended that there was need to have "homegrown solutions for arbitration of disputes arising from outcomes of democratic processes", adding that a  political parties' regional polls observation forum and a regional political party centre of excellence were additional institutions that, once established, would support the regional electoral commission.

"The principal of zero tolerance to violence should be adopted and political parties in East Africa should embrace more formal party structures with set standards and sanctions against electoral malpractices as deterrent," the parties resolved.

To bolster commitment to the recommendations, the parties called for the extension of the jurisdiction of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). 

"The jurisdiction of the EACJ should be extended to cover gross violations of human rights; including electoral violence, as well as other crimes against humanity."

Regarding an East African Federation, which is the ultimate aim behind the establishment of the EAC, the parties said a region-wide referendum would be necessary to give the political federation process a solid foundation and legitimacy.

"This process should involve public education and awareness up to the grass root levels," the parties said.

The conference was opened by Prime Minister Raila Odinga who called on political parties in EAC to embrace the regional integration process and asked them to make it part and parcel of their party manifestos.

The EAC Deputy Secretary General (in charge of Political Federation) Beatrice Kiraso, stressed that political parties are and would continue to be key stakeholders in the integration process and the realization of the Community’s ultimate desire of a Political Federation.

"Well functioning Political Parties are a pre-requisite to democracy, and need to be engaged in exploring alternative policy options, she said in her opening remarks.