LEGAL ASPECTS ELECTORAL PROCESS

I am proud that Kenyans have voted. However, I wish to point out several issues I think we need to reflect on in the future.

• I think polls are important. If the ECK and everyone had taken all polls seriously, it would have been clear that this election would be very close and caution and extra arrangements would need to be made.
• Technology, technology, technology. A substantial part of the problems being faced could have been solved by using available technologies to communicate between the polling stations, counting stations and ECK in Nairobi. Even the use of a simple Excel spreadsheet would have assisted these guys tally the votes!
• I agree with mentalacobatics that these guys really need a good press team who can do rapid response. Part of the problem we are having is that there is a total breakdown on communication.
• The ECK failed to take precautions in securing the trouble spots like Kajiado North which has had problems in the past. Constituencies with potential for problems ought to have been identified and experienced returning officers identified and posted to those places.
• There is a total lack of decisive leadership. How can the Chairman of the ECK tell Kenyans that he has no idea where his returning officers are! It is his business and perhaps we should have a more rigourous way of appointing those who sit on these bodies.

I think the main responsibility of the ECK is to ensure that the law is followed to the letter. The politicians should take responsibilty of ensuring that the public is not duly alarmed and the political situtation remains calm.