A motion that could have changed the election date and also extended Members of Parliament’s stay in office, by three months, has suffered a setback.
The bill seeking to amend the Constitution and change the election date from August to December, could not sail through the National Assembly after it failed to attain the required two thirds majority threshold.
216 MPs supported the bill sponsored by ODM legislator David Ochieng, but it fell short of the required 233 votes.
The Ugenya legislator expressed his disappointment, adding that the bill was shot down by the lack of support from members of his own party.
“Twenty of the members who voted against my bill were from ODM,” said Ochieng.
The bill had sparked controversy, creating divisions across the political divide.
CORD MPs claimed that Jubilee intended to support the bill then introduce a clause seeking to extend the IEBC commissioners' term in office beyond December.
Read Also: Why CORD and Jubilee MPs Are in Contention Over Changing the Election Date
The poll date now remains as stipulated in the constitution - in August.
Ochieng had argued that the August date is too crowded with activities for elections to be held, citing the school calendar and the high tourist season during the period.
