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{
    "id": 676120,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/676120/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 224,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, we appear to be misreading what is happening in the country. It does not mean this House will now come to a standstill because something is happening somewhere else. Indeed, nothing prevents this House from debating this Bill. You appear not to have followed what was said earlier on that debate on other issues touching on that will await whatever proposals that may come. That will only be by way of proposing changes. Debate is very healthy. Whether in opposition or support, it is very healthy at this stage. The House can debate, but postpone further proceedings on the Bill, especially by way of Committee of the Whole House. That is the understanding that has been there. You cannot say that we cannot debate anything yet you say you want a Special Audit Report from PAC, which touches on the same body to be brought here as a matter of priority. On what authority will you be debating it if you are going to stay all actions until you hear from some other organisation or body? Therefore, there is nothing wrong with the House debating this matter, but not proceed to Committee of the Whole House. You have to wait. This is because whatever is likely to come is known, unless you people have forgotten what that Motion read. That Committee will make legislative proposals to the electoral laws in the country. At the point those proposals may come, that is when you can say “Hon. Midiwo and Hon. Mwadeghu pointed out this in debate. Therefore, the proposals coming from that other Committee are in tandem with what was said by Hon. Chepkong’a and the other Hon. Member.” That way, the House will be enriched. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with debating this Bill now. Let us proceed and do not feel restrained. If you gag yourselves from any work that touches on the institution of IEBC, then it means that even that Report which Hon. (Eng.) Gumbo passionately feels should be debated, cannot be debated until we hear from that Committee. You cannot have your cake and eat it. I think there is no harm in debating this Bill. Let us debate it, but withhold action. That is what we agreed in the HBC. We said you can debate it. Indeed, there is other business which has been put on hold. The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill has been put on hold for the same reasons. There is nothing wrong with debating the Bill. Proceed."
}