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{
    "id": 676154,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/676154/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 258,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Ms.) Ghati",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 856,
        "legal_name": "Dennitah Ghati",
        "slug": "dennitah-ghati"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker for this opportunity. At the outset, I want to oppose the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill. As the Migori Women County Representative, I feel that the introduction of this Bill at this point is not in good taste. We already have the Joint Select Committee that is looking at this issue, and it will be good if we leave it to bring us their recommendations, we discuss them and move the country forward. It is not the right time to bring it because we have gone through many electoral reforms in this country that have been positive. However, we have positive provisions in this Bill. For instance, the idea of having our commissioners on part time basis is a good move. After five years when elections have been conducted, what do the IEBC commissioners do? That is a positive way of reducing the wage bill. In my view, election management remains an emotive issue. I feel that the two sides need to sit down to discuss on the issue of bringing in new commissioners. I would personally propose that political parties are engaged and involved in forwarding names to the selection panel. That way, we can cater for everybody’s interest. Members of this selection panel should belong to both sides of the divide. The Leader of the Majority Party mentioned that we will get members from the religious community and the civil societies. We all know that religious institutions are polarised and civil societies also take sides. Let us not bury our heads in the sand. Let us talk about these issues openly. As much as these amendments have been brought now, I believe that the Co-Chairs, Sen. Murungi and Sen. Orengo are good hands to provide us and the Senate with a positive response. In the past, we have seen commissioners appointed to the IEBC representing particular areas. It is in the interest of this country that commissioners appointed to the IEBC represent the face of Kenya, and gender should also be considered. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}