By Peter Ochieng 

Do want want to become the next Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson?

Well, the selection panel on Tuesday advertised for position of IEBC chair and commissioners.

Anyone interested in occupying the position of IEBC chairperson or commissioner has until the 28th of this month to submit an application.

The 7-member IEBC selection panel is chaired by Nelson Makanda.

“The panel invites applications from qualified persons who satisfy the provisions of the constitution and the IEBC Act,” reads a notice from the panel.

IEBC operations are currently under Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Marjan Hussein Marjan, following the retirement of former chairman Wafula Chebukati, and commissioners Boya Molu and Professor Abdi Guliye in January, 2023.

The trio retired long after three commissioners; Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi and Justus Nyang’aya resigned, over formation of a tribunal to investigate their conduct.

The three alongside Irene Masit disowned William Ruto’s August, 2022 presidential win. Masit remained put even after formation of the tribunal.

She was however recently sounded out of office after the judge Aggrey Muchelule tribunal recommended her removal.

That means besides chairperson, six commissioner positions need to be filled at IEBC.

Kenyans seeking to be the next IEBC chairperson must be qualified to hold the office of Judge of the Supreme Court under the constitution.

The applicants must among other requirements have at least 15 years experience as a superior court judge, at least 15 years experience as a distinguished academic, judicial officer, legal practitioner, or such experience in other relevant legal fields.

Those interested in the position must also meet the requirements of chapter six of the constitution, which speaks on intergrity and accountability.

Those interested in serving as commissioners must hold a degree from a recognized university, have proven and relevant experience in electoral matters, management, finance, governance, public administration, or law, and meet the requirements of chapter six of the constitution.

After the application deadline which is March 28, 2023, the Nelson Makanda seven-member panel will shortlist names of the successful candidates and subsequently declare dates for interviews.

Successful candidates will hold the positions for a 6-year non renewable term.

That means they will be in charge of the 2027 polls.