Overview of the fiasco

The problem: - Ballot papers and other voting materials not delivered in time, leading to late polls.- In some areas, no voting materials at all and therefore no polls.- Mis-packaging: materials of one area wrongly labelled and taken to another.- Voters register mixed up and effectively messed upCauses:- Electoral laws passed very late by Parliament.- Ministry of Finance released funds too little, too late.- New parishes created at the last moment and EC informed late.- Inefficient voters register.- Election calendar too squeezed – too many elections within the same year.- Inexperience of the EC that bred inefficiency.- EC blinded by over confidence following greater success in previous electiona.- New technology overwhelmed EC personnel .- Corruption in the EC ranks as juicy tenders. become too tempting.- Lack of foresight in the EC, Government and Parliament.Way forward- Hold polls in areas where they flopped.- Amend existing electoral laws.- Among others, ban creation of new electoral areas close to an election- Ban amendment of laws with electoral implications, close to an election- Lobby Finance ministry to release funds ahead of time- Lobby Parliament to habitually expedite electoral laws - Lobby Government to provide enough funds according to EC budget- Employ skilled manpower to handle new technology.- Make register update a continuous process.- Develop a sense of independence with ability to say no to government when need be.- Cut out corruption and cultivate more honesty and patriotism among EC officials.- Give the photographic register project more time.