EU envoys want 2012 election date announced

Written By:Carol Gakii/Wangari Kanyongo,    Posted: Thu, Jun 30, 2011

Head of EU mission Lodewijic Briet said the IEBC bill is vital. The European Union envoys in Nairobi have expressed concern over the delay in passing or assenting to election related bills. The envoys say there is little time left before the country goes to the General elections hence the need to accelerate all electoral legislations. Head of EU mission Lodewijic Briet cited political parties, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission-_IEBC and elections laws as crucial to a smooth election in August next year. Speaking in Nairobi Thursday, Briet said the IEBC bill is vital in setting records clear on the controversy surrounding the dates for next year's general election and demarcation of constituency boundaries. "In view of 2012, the political Parties Bill and other related electoral bills are of utmost urgency. Similarly, Bills on security sector reforms (e.g. National Police Service, Independent Oversight Authority) should be fast tracked due to their significant impact on elections. Laws on devolution are also urgent in view of the need to prepare structures and systems for elections in good time." He further said there is need to fast track bills on the security sector adding that security agents play a vital role during elections. "Already prior to the adoption of the new constitution, the EU has provided financial and technical assistance to governance reforms, to public sector reforms as well as for the successful conducts of the 2010 Referendum on the Constitution and various by-election. Our financial support has been aligned to the National Accord of 28 February 2008 and since 27 August 2010 to the principles of the new Constitution." "However, the adoption of the Constitution was expected to accelerate the pace of these reforms, which would have allowed for an increased mobilization of resources by the international community. This expectation has only partially materialised." The EU heads of mission's call comes amidst warning by the Constitution Implementation Commission (CIC), of a constitutional crisis next year if the Independent electoral and boundaries commission bill is not assented to urgently. CIC has accused the Attorney general Amos Wako of being an impediment to reforms. The office of the Attorney General has been under siege this past week after the CIC accused Wako of delaying to forward the Independent electoral and boundaries commission and salaries and remuneration bills to the president for assent. Wako has since defended himself by blaming the clerk of the national assembly for not handing over the corrected drafts but his explanation is not enough. The EU is urging the two principals to step to forestall a constitutional crisis. " The EU has great faith in the ability of Kenya to implement the reform agenda and to put into practice the principls of the new constitution, which include non-discrimination and gender equality. This is why we have supported the process throughout and we stand ready to further assist Kenya in fostering reforms process. However, both the executive and legislative will ahve to dedicate all their time and energies to drafting and passing all those pieces of legislation that are critical for next year elections to take place fairly and peacefully." Meanwhile, CIC chairman Charles Nyachae maintains that Attorney General Amos Wako is to blame for the delay in submitting to the president the IEBC bill. Nyachae says Wako should stop passing the buck and assume full responsibility.