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{
    "id": 692538,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/692538/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 40,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, on the question of proposing amendments to the Bill, I am guided by the Communication issued on Thursday, 25th August 2016 on the consideration of the Report of the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee on matters relating to the IEBC. On that day, the Speaker did direct as follows and I quote:- “May I reiterate that Report in itself makes recommendations, but whose actualisation lies in the passage of the two Bills. It is, therefore, in place of the House to look into itself and decide whether to engage in the current processes or await the Bills which will undoubtedly go through all the stages, including Second Reading, and consideration of any amendments at Committee stage, in accordance with the Standing Orders.” From the foregoing, it is quite clear that any prescription on amendments in the Communication only applied to the consideration of the Report of the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee. Members of the House are, therefore, at liberty to propose amendments to and, indeed, to amend the Bill in the usual manner as provided for under the Standing Orders. Indeed, I dare say for clarity that members are even at liberty to propose amendments to the Constitution itself. That should settle that first issue. Hon. Members, on the second issue on whether it is proper for the House to continue debate on the Bill, allow me to revisit the resolution of the House on the Report of the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee on matters relating to the IEBC. You will recall that the Hon Olago Aluoch had successfully moved the House to resolve to delete sub-paragraph (7) of Paragraph 659 of the Report relating to the recommendation to “restrict candidates seeking political offices from changing parties” – an act commonly referred to as “party-hopping”. During the debate on the adoption of the Report and also in the Point of Order that is the subject of this Communication, the Hon. Member argued that the recommendation in the 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."
}