MPs to Vote on Bill Seeking to Push Election Date to December

The 2022 general elections could be held in December if Members of Parliament approve a proposal seeking to push the voting date from the month of August.

Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa in a proposal dubbed the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2017 wants the election date shifted from the second Tuesday of August to the third Monday of December.

MPs will this week vote to determine the fate of Wamalwa’s Bill in a move that will effectively prolong their term by four months if approved.

Wamalwa said about 250 of the 349 members of the National Assembly have expressed support for the Bill which requires at least two-thirds (233 MPs) to sail through.

“I have no doubt that this proposal will pass because I have the support of the members,” Dr Wamalwa said yesterday as he reached out to his colleagues for support.

The MPs were scheduled to vote on Wednesday but Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Monday declared the day a public holiday.

Wamalwa argues that holding elections in December is more favourable to Kenya’s unique circumstances and traditions. He says conducting it in August for example disrupts the school calendar.