Amadi top choice for next IEBC chair, says survey as public questions panel’s integrity
In a report released by TIFA Research on Wednesday, Amadi received 41% approval from Kenyans.
A majority of Kenyans have picked former Judiciary Registrar Anne Amadi as their top choice to become the next Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), but a new survey shows many still do not trust the selection process.
In a report released by TIFA Research on Wednesday, Amadi received 41% approval from Kenyans, making her the most preferred candidate for the role.
She was supported by 40% of men and 42% of women across the country.
Former East African Court judge Charles Nyachae came second with 23%, followed by Erustus Edung at 17%, while Abdulqadir Lorot had 11% support.
Despite the clear preference for Amadi, the survey revealed that many Kenyans do not have confidence in how the IEBC Selection Panel is handling the recruitment of new commissioners.
The report also showed concerns about whether the upcoming general elections would be free and fair.
The public was asked if they trusted the last three presidential elections. Their answers revealed doubt and a desire for electoral reforms.
TIFA noted that many respondents had little or no knowledge of the shortlisted candidates, pointing to a lack of transparency in the process.
The survey comes just two days after the IEBC Selection Panel, chaired by Nelson Makanda, submitted its final report to President William Ruto at State House on Monday, May 5.
The panel had completed interviews and vetting for the Chairperson and Commissioner roles.
"The level of awareness of shortlisted candidates was low, and so was confidence in the selection process," TIFA stated during the media briefing.
Under the IEBC Act, the President has seven days to select names from the list and send them to Parliament.
MPs will then have another seven days to vet and return the final names for appointment.
As Kenyans await the decision, the TIFA findings show a mixed view — a strong preference for Amadi, but growing doubt about the fairness of the process that will determine who leads the country’s electoral commission.