The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has presented it’s memorandum to the National Dialogue Committee at the Bomas of Kenya.
Appearing before the committee chaired by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa, the LSK President Eric Theuri proposed a change to the country’s voting calendar.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 26, Theuri proposed separating the presidential election from other elective seats.
According to the proposal by LSK, presidential elections should be held first, followed by the other elective positions.
Once the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officially announces the president -elect, a subsequent five- tier general election will be conducted.
Theuri noted that with this arrangement, presidential losers will be eligible to contest for other elective positions.
Current IEBC conducts presidential elections on the same day as those MPs, senator’s, governors, women representatives and MCAs.
At the same time, LSK called for the audit of the 2022 General Election so as to provide the country with a learning ground.
“The audit should also look at the legislative framework. The results of the audit should be made available to political parties and members of the public, ” Theuri said.
Meanwhile, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei also made far-reaching constitutional amendment proposals touching on the office of the Presidency.
In his Memorandum to the National Dialogue Committee on Friday, September 22, Cherargei proposed the increase of the presidential term limit from five years to seven years.
Cherargei told the bipartisan talks team that the current five-year term is insufficient for any winning candidate.
According to Cherargei, any elected head of state requires sufficient time for running government and form a formidable team to implement the election manifesto.
With Cherargei’s suggestion, any person elected as president will serve in office for seven years with a possibility of another seven years if he/she wins re-election.
However, altering the structure of the constitution regarding the Office of the Presidency will require a referendum.
The law only stipulates a five year term limit with the possibility of another five years in case of re-election, making it a maximum of 10 years.
