Report on The Consideration Of The Independent Electoral And Boundaries Commission(Amendment) Bill, 2019 (National Assembly Bill No.24)

Abstract

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (National Assembly Bill No.24) underwent First Reading in the National Assembly on 2nd May, 2019 and was immediately committed to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs for review and report to the House pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 127(1) of the National Assembly Standing Orders..

The Bill seeks to provide for a mechanism of appointing members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. As it is presently, the Selection Panel that was established under the First Schedule to the Act stood dissolved upon appointment of the current Members of IEBC and hence there exists a vacuum as to the mechanism of appointing members of IEBC in case of a vacancy or lapse of term of office of any member of the Commission

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 118 of the Constitution and Standing Order 127 (3) the Committee through an advertisement in the local daily newspapers of 9th May, 2019 invited the public to make representations on the Bill. The Committee didn't receive submissions on the Bill. May I take this opportunity to commend the Committee Members for their devotion and commitment to duty which made the consideration of the Bill successful. May I also express gratitude to the Offices of Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly for providing direction and the Committee secretariat for providing technical and logistical support.

On behalf of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs and pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 199 (6), it is my pleasant privilege and duty to present to the House the report of the Committee on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (National Assembly Bill No.24).