US express fears about Jubilee’s push for change of electoral laws

USA Ambassador Robert Godec. Photo: Star

US express fears about Jubilee’s push for change of electoral laws

The United States and European Union has faulted proposed changes to election laws by the ruling Jubilee party – US Ambassador Robert Godec questioned the timing of the changes saying it would undermine preparations by the electoral body – IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati had also expressed fears over plans by Jubilee Party to make changes on existing electoral laws The Jubilee Party has been castigated by the European Union and United States envoy for their push to amend electoral laws regarding the presidential election with just days to the repeat presidential election scheduled for October 26. Speaking on Monday, October 2, US Ambassador Robert Godec said Jubilee’s move is ill timed and would undermine the preparations of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s preparations. “Best practice does not allow law review just before polls. Both political sides; Jubilee and the National Super Alliance should engage in genuine talks with the IEBC and stop making unreasonable demands. The IEBC needs to be given space and time and not be paralysed,” said Godec.

Godec further said that Jubilee’s Election Laws (Amendments) Bill puts at risk the ability to conduct elections within the set timeline and cause unnecessary political tensions. “The international community is watching Kenya in every step of its electoral process,” added Godec. On Thursday, September 28, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati also expressed fears about Jubilee’s move.

Source:https://www.tuko.co.ke/