Tough poll rules set for parties

The electoral commission has set stringent deadlines to be met by aspirants and political parties ahead of the next elections.

According to a timetable presented by Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Parliament last week, political parties have up to July 19 to submit their nomination rules to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The parties are also required to submit their party membership list by the first week of November to be able to participate in the elections.

“This process ensures that duly-registered political parties have addressed all key aspects of internal party mechanisms touching on the elections,” the brief prepared for the PM by the commission says.

The timetable shows that politicians wishing to vie for any position will also be barred from participating in harambees (fund raisers) by July while public officers have to quit their jobs by August.

“The Registrar of Political Parties will have the task of confirming final political party membership at least three months preceding an election, while IEBC will ensure independent candidates are not members of any political party at least three months before the elections,” the brief states.

It adds that political parties must also submit their party membership list to the Registrar by October and complete party nominations by the second week of January 2013.

IEBC will carry out the nominations in February with a run-off expected in April if there is no clear winner in the first round.

“The commission is in the process of finalising regulations under the Elections Act and Political Parties Act. They have to be tabled and approved by Parliament by September 4 going by the March 4, 2013 election date,” IEBC says.

The commission adds that the regulations provide for dispute resolution mechanisms at every level of the electoral process. They will also regulate the sources and the limits of campaign funds to give a level playing ground for all politicians.

According to the IEBC, the stringent rules will provide details on the regulation of campaigns and the conduct of the media in the elections.

The law also prohibits use of public resources for election campaigns and gives the commission powers to impound such resources if unlawfully used.

The Elections Act gives the commission powers to investigate and prosecute election offences.