PDM STRATEGY

PNU was on Thursday exploring ways of narrowing the divide over the referendum vote on the proposed constitution.

One of the proposals was to present the draft constitution and an index of contentious issues separately at the referendum.

The proposal was among issues that were discussed by key PNU leaders at a meeting called by President Kibaki to rally his party behind the draft.

During the meeting at Harambee House, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta said he would vote Yes at the referendum.

In a statement he released later, the Finance minister said: “There is a misconception that appears to be gaining root that I am still undecided on whether to vote Yes or No in the referendum on the proposed constitution. I want to make it crystal clear that in the coming referendum I will vote Yes.”

Sources close to the meeting at Harambee House said they grappled with options that could help avoid a divisive referendum. It was said President Kibaki emphasised the need for PNU to vote for the draft as a bloc.

After the meeting that was attended by Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, and Cabinet ministers Moses Wetang’ula, George Saitoti, and Mutula Kilonzo, Mr Kenyatta issued a statement he said reflected his views during the session.

To end the acrimony between the Yes and No camps, he said contentious issues should be isolated from the draft and presented to Kenyans as an addendum to be voted on separately.

Gained root

Multi-choice referendums, said the deputy PM, had gained root in many countries across the world, including Australia, Sweden, and Switzerland.

“Can a Kenyan version of this multiple-issue referendum secure a unanimous “Yes” for the constitution while enabling Kenyans to accept or reject specific contentious clauses? I strongly believe that this is the way to go,” he said.

If the proposal is accepted, it would mean that as Kenyans vote Yes on the draft Constitution, they will simultaneously vote on the contentious clauses.

The clauses in question are the ones on abortion, the kadhi’s courts, and chapters on devolution and land. The double vote, he said, would give the constitution general acceptance among Kenyans.

However, it was said that Mr Kilonzo and Mr Wetang’ula opposed the proposal during the meeting on grounds that the Review Act does not provide for a double vote.

Ironically, this is one of the suggestions that the No campaign has put forward. However, President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have ruled out any amendments until after the referendum.