An MP allied to the National Super Alliance has tabled in
parliament a motion seeking to change the general election date from August to
December. Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa wants the dates be changed for convenience
purposes. According to the constitution, the general election is held on the
second Tuesday of August after every five years.
However, Wamalwa wants the election to be held on the third
Monday of December after every five years. In the draft Constitution of Kenya
(amendment) Bill 2017, Wamalwa seeks to extend the terms of the current leaders
including President Uhuru Kenyatta whose re-election has been upheld by the
Supreme Court. As reported by TUKO.co.ke, the six judges unanimously ruled that
Uhuru was duly elected in the controversial and highly divisive repeat election
held on October 26.
“The amendment is to ensure that the date of elections
reflects the unique circumstances and traditions of Kenya,” Wamalwa said as
quoted by Nation.
The legislator's bill is likely to affect articles 101 on
MPs, 136 on president, 177 on MCAs and 180 on governors. However, the bill has
to be accepted by a two thirds majority (233 MPs) to sail though. The bill also
faces an uphill task as such amendments require a referendum as they touch on
the term limit.
According to the law, only a referendum can extend the
presidential term.
