The Jubilee Party has demanded significant changes to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, before it receives presidential assent. The party’s Secretary General, Jeremiah Kioni, has raised alarm over a controversial new clause that could potentially alter the landscape of voting practices in the country.
The contentious clause in question, Clause 38A, 1A, proposes the introduction of vehicles, vessels, or other mobile platforms as permissible polling stations across electoral areas. Kioni and other party officials argue that this amendment poses a grave risk to the integrity of the electoral process, citing concerns that mobile polling stations could facilitate electoral malpractice, including the possibility of vote rigging.
“This amendment allows for the appointment of vehicles or vessels as polling stations without clear guidelines on when and where such measures are necessary,” Kioni remarked. “It undermines the established practice of stationary polling stations, where voters traditionally cast their ballots in secure and controlled environments.”
The Jubilee Party’s call for amendments reflects broader anxieties within Kenya’s political landscape, particularly amidst preparations for future elections. Critics argue that mobile polling stations could be strategically deployed to areas where logistical challenges might otherwise hinder or delay voting processes. This, they contend, opens the door to potential manipulation of election outcomes, skewing results in favor of certain political interests.
“I don’t think Kenyans are fools to allow this kind of an amendment to pass,” Kioni emphasized. “Even as he signs, this is one of the areas that requires to be sent back to parliament for deletion. This is a clear way of trying to rig elections and we know that Ruto is permanently looking for ways of bringing himself into power.”
The debate surrounding the IEBC Amendment Bill underscores the delicate balance between innovation in electoral practices and safeguarding the fundamental principles of free and fair elections. While proponents argue that mobile polling stations could enhance accessibility and voter turnout, opponents caution against the potential misuse of such provisions to undermine the democratic process.
As the bill awaits President William Ruto’s assent, pressure mounts on stakeholders to address these concerns through parliamentary review and possible amendments. The outcome of this legislative deliberation will likely shape the future trajectory of electoral reforms in Kenya, influencing voter confidence and the credibility of democratic institutions.
In conclusion, while electoral reforms are essential for adapting to evolving societal needs, ensuring transparency and accountability remains paramount. The Jubilee Party’s stance reflects a pivotal moment in Kenya’s democratic journey, where the balance between innovation and electoral integrity hangs in the balance.
