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{
    "id": 443129,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/443129/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 113,
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    "content": "became very difficult for the names to be submitted and published by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as required. This calls for an improvement in the manner in which political parties conduct their business. The key challenge came from the political parties in terms of submitting names. For the same position, they submitted several names. That became very difficult for the IEBC. Subsequently, all those people whose names were submitted ended up going through a whole process of determination by the IEBC. Others went to court and the whole process dragged on for months and delayed the gazettement of the special categories of Members. The spirit of the Constitution is very clear. These special seats must be provided for in these assemblies so that they represent various interests like women, people with disabilities, the youth and marginalised communities. Therefore, it is unfortunate that assemblies can conduct their business for several months before these people come on board. Consequently, what happened in these assemblies is that these categories of special persons failed to secure seats, for instance, in chairing committees. Some counties were sensitive and reserved a few positions for them. However, many counties went on with their businesses. It is important that we make it clear that county assemblies should not start work until these people come on board. The last point I want to add is that there is need to look into the process of the IEBC. The IEBC took long to verify and to gazette names. As a matter of fact, the process took a very long time. That process, between the parties and the IEBC, should also be addressed so that the time frame is reduced. The political parties should be held to account in the way they submit their names before the elections. That is the essence of this proportional list being given before the election. Once the elections are done, the names are automatically given to the IEBC which goes on automatically to gazette. Now that the experiences have been learnt, we are hopeful about the next elections. I want to urge the same Member who came up with this Bill to look at the political parties and the long process so that this delay does not occur in the first place. With those few remarks, I support the Bill."
}