ODM MPs fault House select team on election laws

Orange Democratic Movement MPs have faulted the parliamentary select committee on Election Laws, 2017 terming it unconstitutional.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi said the committee  does not have members from parties as mandated by the law.

“Whatever is happening at County Hall chambers is a waste of time, public funds and a Jubilee meeting, purportedly getting views of Kenyans,” Wandayi stated.

“We shall refuse the illegal amendment on election laws as it is a waste of time and money,” the Ugunja MP stated, adding that whatever is produced from the meeting is unlawful.

In a rejoinder, however, Jubilee MPs led by Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu have unanimously supported the proposed amendments to the election law saying they will bring much-needed changes in the electoral commission.

Last Sunday, State House spokesman Manoah Esispisu faulted Opposition leaders for saying the proposed amendments are out of date and meant to breach the Constitution.

“I do not think that these laws have the potential to take us back to the dark ages,” said Esipisu.

He added: “The Supreme Court clearly said that Parliament needed to do something on clarifying the election laws. It did not rule that politicians at political rallies needed to clarify the laws. Parliament is simply doing what the court ordered.”

Some of the changes Jubilee is seeking to make include entrenching manual transmission of election results as the primary means, while the electronic transmission will be in place for backup purposes.

The draft laws also seek to have any of the IEBC Commissioners declare the president-elect in case IEBC chairperson or vice-chairperson is absent.

Further, the ruling coalition wants to include a clause in the law that will make it mandatory for the Supreme Court to order a ballot recount in the event of a presidential poll petition.