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{
    "id": 50258,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/50258/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 376,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. ole Metito",
    "speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Regional Development Authorities",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 199,
        "legal_name": "Judah Katoo Ole-Metito",
        "slug": "judah-ole-metito"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this very important Bill. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, this Bill is about elections in Kenya. Within the very volatile and charged partisan political environment that exists in this country, it is extremely important that we have a trusted election process where elections will be regarded as fair even by the losing side. Therefore, laws about elections are, obviously, critical to democracy. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, in Kenya, the importance is even more evident where elections are deeply flawed, bribery and intimidation are wide spread, party nominations are effectively sold to the highest bidder or even given to the cronies of party leaders. Regardless of the law or party regulations, voters’ rolls have always been rigged. Therefore, it is very important that we get a good law to address all these shortcomings. This law originates from the Kriegler Report that found the last general elections generally abused or fully characterized by widespread bribery, voter buying, intimidation and ballot stuffing. In the Kriegler Report, the former Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) was found to lack the necessary independence, the capacity and the functionality and, therefore, it recommended for urgent and radical review of the law. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Bill is central to a fair electoral process. This process needs to be very independent and competent for people to have faith in the IEBC. Therefore, even as we set out to consider this Bill, we know that there is a real need for such a commission. If we will have free and fair elections, the IEBC should not be subjected to the discretion and control of any person or any authority. It should be given adequate finances and other resources for it to function properly. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, this and other provisions of the Constitution, for instance the right to vote and stand for an election; the freedom of expression and of the media; the right of association in the Bill of Rights, the role of regulation of political parties as shown in Chapter 7 of the Constitution and the recognition of independent candidates is very important and vital. The regulation of parties’ processes for nomination of candidates, the potential to regulate the amount of money that can be spent in respect of the election; the principle underlying the independence of the IEBC and the principle of integrity as enshrined in Chapter 6 of the Constitution really provide for a suitable framework for a fair and free election. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Bill, 2011 as published has shown the nature, structure and authority of the Commission. It is, perhaps, the very most critical Bill we need to pass as a House. However, there are some observations that need to be addressed. I am happy that this Bill has attracted a lot of interests from this House. If I can recall well, this might be even the fourth day this Bill is being debated. That calls for a thorough relooking of the Bill, taking into account the observations and recommendations by Members."
}