MPs Approve Controversial Changes to Election Laws

The National Assembly has assented to the controversial Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and the Election Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

The two amendments were proposed by Jubilee Party lawmakers in a bid to seal loopholes that led to the annulment of President Uhuru Kenyatta's win in the August 8 election.

The Bills will now proceed to the presidential assent stage where President Kenyatta is expected to sign the Bills into law.

Addressing citizens at Kaloleni-Mombasa County on Tuesday, the President declared that he would undoubtedly sign into law the two bills as soon as Parliament approved them.

[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta with his deputy William Ruto"][/caption]

"I have no problem with that law and if Parliament passes (the bills), I will sign. I don’t have any problem with it because it contains contentious issues raised by the Opposition," he assured.

The controversial Bills have been strongly opposed by the National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders as well as international dignitaries.

NASA leader Raila Odinga rejected the proposed amendments accusing the Jubilee party of trying to revert to past failed electoral systems.

"The Jubilee government is on the offensive and they are trying to reverse all the gains our people have made.

"They are trying to change the electoral system to one worse than what we had before 1997," Raila accused.

Read More: Raila's Fresh Warning Over Jubilee's Move to Change Election Laws

Speaking on behalf of foreign envoys, US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec pleaded with the President's party to drop the onslaught.

"The timing of the laws is a serious problem that requires careful reflection. Avoid changes to electoral rules prior to the elections.

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"All should give IEBC the space it needs. So, do not paralyze the IEBC for it is the only institution that has to run the elections," Godec pleaded.

One of the controversial changes parliament has approved is that in an event where one of two presidential candidates quits the race, the other is automatically declared President-elect.

Read More: IEBC Agrees with Jubilee's Changes to Election Laws