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{
    "id": 901694,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/901694/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 320,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Dr.) Zani",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13119,
        "legal_name": "Agnes Zani",
        "slug": "agnes-zani"
    },
    "content": "The key amendment in this Bill is to ensure that there is an election return form that is filled by candidates or their representative in order to ensure that they have been given opportunity to oversight the tallying of results. Most of the candidates or agents who fail to sign the forms use the lack of their signature as a basis of petitioning the results. Having listened to my colleagues, I do agree that it is possible for one not to sign the form because of violence. As we amend this Bill, we should keep its spirit, which is to reduce petitions, create agreement between the winner and the loser, reduce the number of complaints that come out of an election; create a free, transparent, fair and credible process. However, as we do that, we should be careful not to transfer criminal liability to the person who does not sign the form. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, Clause 3(b)(1FB) of the Bill states that;- ―The presiding officer shall— (a) Immediately announce the results of the voting at the polling station before communicating the results to the returning officer; (b) Request each of the candidates present to append his or her signature; (c) Provide each political party, candidate, or their agent with a copy of the declaration of the results.‖ This amendment can only work if that signature is put in place and the environment must be created for that signature to be appended. Clause 3(d) (1FC) states that;- ―Where any candidate or agent has an objection to the tally of results as represented in the declaration form, the presiding officer shall note down the objections.‖ Provisions have been made for objections, but I think that it contradicts itself. If somebody appends a signature on the form, it might be assumed that they have agreed with the result. To solve this problem, we should come up with a provision for laying ground for a petition if one does not agree with the results, even if they are to append their signature on the form. That is because the candidate or agent could be pushed out of the polling station or there could be chaos, which would make it difficult for one to progress in that way. At the end of the day, we are looking for progressive and accountable elections. Therefore, I commend this Bill because it takes us to the right path. We should think through this Bill and maintain the clauses that are going to bring order during elections in order for us to have a law that will be beneficial to us. We should also be careful not to create criminal liability on people who have not signed the forms due to situations beyond their control. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to support this Bill pending the specific amendments on the clause."
}