Degree a must for MPs in next Kenya general election, says Independent and Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC)

The Independent and Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set itself up for conflict with MPs after it proposed a requirement that could lock out people without degrees and diplomas from seeking elective positions.

It also proposes to reintroduce strict time lines for party nominations that would end party-hopping that were in the initial draft electoral laws but were removed by the last parliament while enacting the legislation.

The electoral agency tabled its proposals before the House Justice and Legal Affairs committee, in a move that might not sit well with MPs and MCAs who do not have the said academic documents, and who would want to defend their seats in the next election.

IEBC wants to amend section 22 of the IEBC Act to require that a person seeking nomination for an election should possess, as minimum qualifications, a degree in the case of parliamentary elections and a diploma in the case of county assembly elections.

“The principal object of the bill is to address the concerns that resulted following the general elections held on March 4, 2013, which was the first under the constitutional dispensation. The elections laid the foundation for the transformation of Kenya’s electoral politics, the proposed Bill states in the memorandum of objects and reasons.

“The conduct of the said general elections was informed by historical challenges that faced the country as evidenced in the 2007 post-election violence,” it adds.

IEBC, in a bid that will force political parties to rethink the way they conduct their primaries, also proposes that parties present their party nomination rules six months to the elections.

IEBC also wants the extension of the deadline for parties to submit their nomination lists from 45 days to 90 days. IEBC Chairman Issack Hassan said the amendments are meant to enforce discipline in political parties and pre-empt cases where they change rules mid-way to accommodate competing political interests.

Hassan said IEBC is determined to end the confusion that has previously dominated the election period, with some political parties ripping the rule book to shreds.

“This will end the practice of mischievous parties, some of whom even present nomination lists very close to the election, presenting a crisis in case someone goes to court to dispute the list,” Mr Hassan said.

Other proposals include a requirement that an MP who has been recalled shall not be eligible for re-election. The proposed bill seeks to delete a requirement that a petition seeking to recall an MP shall represent the diversity of the people in a county or constituency.

 Members said the degree requirement for an MP could progressively turn the institution into an elitist club.