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    "id": 715989,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/715989/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 71,
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    "content": "assessing the feelings of the public outside the confines of a general election which can be emotive and clouded. It is proposed that referendum committees may appoint at least one agent per polling station across the country. This is in order to avoid a situation where the issue of agents during a referendum becomes like a matter which is not entrenched. Further, in the event of a vacancy in the office of a governor after a death, resignation or removal by other constitutional means, any independent candidate may submit their party symbols and so on seven days before nominations. In the current election law, there was no mention of independent candidates. This amendment is trying to take care of that. Fifth, a public officer who intends to participate in a by-election shall resign from public office within seven days after declaration of a vacancy. We have had a problem in this country before on the question of public officers and participation in elections. The law, as it is now, clearly provides that, in a case of a general election, holders of public office are required to resign six months before the general elections. However, there is no similar provision for by-elections. So, the net effect is that a by-election is declared somewhere, somebody is holding public office and technically, that person can campaign while in office until they are elected without resigning. These are things that were not anticipated or were overlooked during the drafting of the Elections Act of 2011. Sixth, this Bill proposes that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) shall provide for the inspection of the register 90 days to the general elections. This is very important in this country where there have been disputes and disagreements on the content, nature and accuracy of the voters’ register. It is important that the IEBC is commanded, as it is through this Bill, to provide for the inspection of the register 90 days before the general election. The inspection period is proposed to be a minimum of 30 days or any further period that the Commission may consider necessary. Mr. Speaker, Sir, one of the two last things is the issue of campaign financing which is also another addition to our democratic journey. We have enacted a campaign financing law and now we are in the process of trying to make it professional. There have been some contentious issues of late concerning this matter and, therefore, it is proposed that certain aspects of that law be suspended until after the next general election. One particular issue, which was in the public domain a few weeks ago, is the matter of candidates or aspirants who want to run for office in the 2017 election being required by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), through regulations, to open campaign finance accounts and appoint campaign finance committees. That was to be done by 7th December, 2016. Some of the aspirants complied while others have not. Some have gone to court for interpretation on this matter. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the regulations that gave rise to that requirement are not in operation. Draft regulations were submitted to the National Assembly. The National Assembly rejected them and the process of making fresh regulation is in course. Therefore, except for what I have said, the issue of appointing campaign finance committees and opening campaign finance accounts is proposed to be suspended or the time reduced from eight months to two months. Finally, this Bill proposes to amend Section 44 of the Elections Act, 2011. This has been the most talked about proposal. I am sure and convinced beyond peradventure that the Committee of the Senate has done a good job and they have listened to Kenyans. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate"
}