Kenyans want polls in December, House told

Most Kenyans want the next General Election held in December this year, according to a parliamentary committee’s findings.

The Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) says most people who spoke to the MPs support the proposal to amend the Constitution and have the elections held on December 17.

The committee, chaired by Mandera Central MP Abdikadir Mohammed visited various counties at the height of a controversy on the date of the next elections to collect views from the public on the matter.

The MPs were sought public input on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2011 proposing that the election date be changed from every second Tuesday of August of an election year to the third Monday of December.

The report, tabled on Wednesday by Ms Millie Odhiambo (nominated, ODM), the vice-chairperson of CIOC, comes to Parliament at a time some MPs have launched a fresh bid to have elections held in December.

Led by Mr Isaac Rutto (Chepalungu, ODM) the MPs argue that December is the most convenient time for the General Election as has been tradition.

They also argue that Kenyans favour that date.

Mr Rutto on Wednesday asked the Speaker to give direction on the matter. He wants the government compelled to either bring the Bill to Parliament for debate or withdraw it.

Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa and the Leader of Government Business, Vice- President Kalonzo Musyoka, are yet to give a clear position on the Bill.

Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim told the House that the Speaker would rule on the matter in two weeks.

In their report, CIOC which has maintained it is against any amendment to the Constitution, says a few Kenyans maintain that elections be held in August as provided for in the Constitution “since this is what was voted for in the referendum and that it is too early to amend the Constitution”.

Others who gave their views to the committee opposed the amendment, arguing that elections should be held in March next year in line with the court ruling.

The interviewees were almost unanimous that Parliament should be dissolved at least two months before elections “so that the incumbent MPs do not have undue advantage during the campaign period”.

According to the committee, Kenyans who gave their views were split over the proposed constitutional amendments to ensure gender equality in elective positions.

Those in support argued that the changes would be the best way to achieve gender parity and equity.

However, people opposed to the amendment argued that setting aside some positions for either gender “would destroy the democratic ideals and principles as enshrined in the Constitution which require Kenyans to choose their preferred leaders freely.”

They also argued, in opposing the gender provisions changes, that such amendments would bring uncertainty in the number of MPs, causing the tax-payer a huge financial burden “and logistical challenges.”

However, the committee reports that most members of the public were agreed on the need to empower women and encourage them to seek elective positions in the General Election. They urged political parties to ensure nomination of many women candidates.