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{
    "id": 770902,
    "url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/770902/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 138,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Dr.) Otiende Amollo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13465,
        "legal_name": "Paul Otiende Amollo",
        "slug": "paul-otiende-amollo"
    },
    "content": "Members, we would have missed out on that opportunity. I am also grateful that we have come a long way. Eleven years ago, Members of EALA were undemocratically selected by the then Democratic Party, and I had the opportunity together with two of my colleagues, Hon. T. J. Kajwang’ and Hon. Daniel Maanzo to go to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) and challenged what at that time was not believed to be possible that we could challenge the decision of the country. Happily, the EACJ nullified that list and gave guidance on how Members should be elected. That is what has brought us where we are. In this election process, you are the returning officer. As the returning officer, I am quite sure that you will do a better job than the IEBC has ever done in this country. The IEBC has failed miserably but we are confident that you will succeed in this election. While serving as the returning officer, I think it is right to bring to the attention of the Members the requirements of Article 81(b) of the Constitution which requires that Members of any elective public body must consist of at least one-third of the opposite gender. I think it is important to let the Members know that this is mandatory not merely advisory. It appears to me therefore that as we exercise our right to vote by secret ballot, it would be important that every Member knows that of the nine Members, at least if you wish to vote many men, then vote at least three women and if you wish to vote many women, vote at least three men. I think a suggestion was made which sounds good that of the Jubilee team, at least two women and of the NASA team at least one should be a woman. This might result in nullification if it is not observed. If we exercise our right to vote by secret ballot and the entire team that arises does not comply with Article 81(b), we might end up in a situation where we are forced either to recall the list or to vote again. Members will be aware that as it is as Members of this House, there is already a Petition that is pending challenging the constitutionality of this House. We do not want to get to the situation where even those we vote for also end up in that situation."
}