“The formal structures may not provide that avenue if you insist on dialogue through Parliament because all stakeholders are not represented in the formal structure,” stated Munya/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 7 – The Council of Governors has called upon President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga to initiate dialogue on electoral reforms before elections to be held in August next year.
Speaking during a consultative meeting on elections on Tuesday, the Council of Governors (CoG) chairman Peter Munya said the reforms are important to ensure a credible process as well as avert any constitutional crisis.
“We require dialogue that will lead to certain reforms in the law to restore confidence and integrity in the coming election that will be extremely important in ensuring peace and stability in the country,” said Munya.
He also requested Odinga to stop demonstrations while calling on President Kenyatta to move from formal institutions as the only way of engaging with the Opposition on matters IEBC.
“The formal structures may not provide that avenue if you insist on dialogue through Parliament because all stakeholders are not represented in the formal structure,” stated Munya.
“Therefore there is need to see how this dialogue can be ignited outside the formal structure before what has been agreed upon can be implemented,” Munya opined.
The Council of Governors said it is important that the country be well prepared for the upcoming 2017 General Election.
Munya was quick to note that all the 47 County Governments are keen to have a smooth 2017 poll in order to consolidate the major gains devolution has delivered for the country.
“For us as the CoG, elections are more than a democratic exercise for giving our governance its legitimacy,” said Munya.
“Elections are a risk to the economy which must be mitigated. Devolution is a conflict mitigation mechanisms established by our constitution,” highlighted Munya.
He noted that it will support initiatives that promote inclusive and bipartisan dialogue on the electoral process that will in the end contribute to free, fair and peaceful 2017 elections.
About The Author
