Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 691265,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/691265/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 44,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "the activities of political parties and candidates in the period before an election. The Act requires parties to- (a) Conduct primaries at least forty five days before the general election at section 13. (b) Submit their membership lists to the Commission at least forty five days to a general election provided for at section 28 and (c) To submit their nomination rules to the Commission at least 90 days before the general election at section 27.” Further, Hon. Members, the Constitution itself prescribes a timeline that “locks out” independent candidates from being members of a political party. Article 85(a) of the Constitution provides- “Any person is eligible to stand as an independent candidate for election if the person − (a) is not a member of a registered political party and has not been a member for at least three months immediately before the date of the election.” Hon. Members, it is therefore evident that the timelines contained in the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2016 are not new or unusual. The timelines and indeed the rest of the Bill constitute proposals placed before the House for consideration, adoption, amendment or rejection. I must note that in addition I have scrutinized the Bill and I do not find any provision that may be interpreted as violating the fundamental rights and freedoms afforded under the Constitution, including the freedom of association and political rights. This, as I have previously ruled, does not preclude any individual from seeking a determination of the constitutionality of the provisions of the Bill after its enactment in the High Court as the body mandated to interpret the Constitution and other laws under Article 165. Please be guided accordingly. I thank you. Next Order."
}