US Carter Center Urges MPs to Raise Threshold for Nullifying Presidential Elections in Kenya
The US Carter Center has urged the Kenyan Parliament to make amendments to election laws and specify the circumstances that can lead to the nullification of a presidential election.
The NGO which observed Kenya's last year general elections also wants Members of Parliament to extend the deadline for which petitions on presidential election results are heard and determined by the Supreme Court to a minimum of 30 days from the current 14.
The Center argues that changes to the laws guiding elections will provide clarity that a presidential poll can only be annulled if the irregularities found can affect the final outcome.
In a statement, the election observer said this would ensure there is thorough consideration of all issues and sufficient time to allow for a recount of votes if the Supreme court deems it necessary.
The Center noted that the inconsistent application of the Supreme Court’s ruling puts so low the threshold for invalidating elections in Kenya, making the will of the people as expressed through the ballots cast a secondary consideration.
“The Supreme Court addressed this issue in its recent rulings and indicated that such a step would require a constitutional amendment. The Kenyan government should give this option serious consideration to bring its dispute-resolution framework into alignment with best practices across the continent,” Carter Center said in a statement.
Comments
Constitution Amendment…
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Constitution Amendment should only be done where and when Kenyans deem it necessary. It should not be a recommendation by a foreign government or an NGO as this is something that will affect all Kenyans and posterity. During those elections, all these foreign NGO's argued against making any changes to the Constitution. Foreigners have no stand and they always change position in self interest. Kenya should change the Constitution based on only what Kenya needs are, based on its cultures and people's and in light of its future not based on outsiders wishes and wants. God help our leaders to remain firm and thoughtful. God help Kenya!!
Anonymous u have spoken…
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Anonymous u have spoken bratha.This foreign colonialist imperialist entity’s should shallap or go to hell.Why don’t they talk about USA elections amendments where one wins majority votes n stupid states delegates r left to decide the winner which is crap or failed system.The Majority of the votes should be enough to make one the presidential winner not some nicompopos sitting down after pple have voted to decide later who won.2017 presidential elections was won clearly by Uhuruto but some idiots opposition who were together with supreme courts wanted to hijack the system after majority of the Kenyans voters have already decided their fate n their leaders.So this so cater foundation should go to Hell n be busy with their country.Leave Kenyan matters to Kenyans.
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