“IEBC Livestreaming Row: Parliament Makes Fresh Move That Could Shape Kenya’s Next Election”

The Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, has been referred back to the Senate for further consideration after the National Assembly passed the proposed law with amendments.

The move sets the stage for another round of discussions over proposed changes to Kenya’s electoral laws and how elections are managed in the country.

In an explainer issued after the Bill’s passage, Parliament addressed reports suggesting that the proposed amendments would remove provisions requiring the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to livestream election results.

The issue has attracted attention because the public wants to understand how the proposed changes could affect the transparency of elections and the announcement of results.

The IEBC is the body responsible for managing elections and referendums in Kenya. Its work includes voter registration, conducting elections and announcing official results.

Livestreaming election results has been part of wider discussions about transparency, public confidence and the need for Kenyans to follow the electoral process.

Parliament’s explainer sought to clarify the reports surrounding the Bill and explain the developments following the National Assembly’s decision to make amendments to the proposed law.

The referral back to the Senate means the legislative process is not yet complete. The Senate will have to consider the changes made by the National Assembly in line with the procedures governing the passage of legislation.

Where the two Houses disagree on amendments, further consideration may be required before the Bill can move to the next stage.

The development comes as electoral reforms remain an important issue in Kenya, with questions often raised about the credibility of elections, the handling of results and the role of institutions responsible for overseeing the process.

For many Kenyans, the main concern is whether any changes to electoral laws will strengthen transparency and protect the integrity of elections.

However, the reports about livestreaming requirements need to be considered alongside the actual provisions of the Bill and Parliament’s official explanation.

The Bill’s return to the Senate does not, by itself, mean that the proposed amendments have become law.

The next steps will depend on the Senate’s consideration of the changes and the remaining constitutional procedures.

Source: https://x.com/K24Tv/status/2114660396640395542?s=20

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