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Political parties are foundational to politics and democracy. Under constitutionalism, political parties are the essential vehicle for establishing governments as without them hardly any meaningful public participation can take place. They invite people to register as members who legitimize aspiring candidates to vie for office and if successful form government.
At a recent launch on political parties’ adherence to the law in line with the Constitution in Article 91 and 92 and the Political Parties Act (2011), it was evident that they are not adhering to the law. The study undertaken by the Institute of Education in Democracy (IED) was based on 21 political parties that have representation in Parliament.
According to Article 91(1) of the Constitution all political parties must:
On the other hand, Article 92 elaborates on the legislations required on political parties.
Kenya has 60 registered political parties. IED looked at how some of these political parties undertake their business, identified the existing gaps and made recommendations on measures that should be taken.
The IED report revealed:
The gaps identified are not solely about political parties but also the broader electoral system.
Parties birth representatives to Parliament who then determine the bread and butter issues for every Kenyan. Disorder in political parties is inversely connected to poor representation be it in Parliament or County Assemblies.
In addition, political parties are supposed to create forums for interaction of its members with the elected leaders to inform law and policy. With such internal structures in place, party members can take positions on various issues and whip their leaders to move them through Parliament.
Weak party structures deny the public opportunity to pro-actively engage and inform debate in Parliament and County Assemblies. The deeply entrenched culture of Political parties recruiting members in the lead up to elections perpetuates the continued perception that they are vehicles for elections only and renders them still born.
On the other hand, poor civic awareness has caused most Kenyans to ignore registration as Political party members, yet this is the only way to grow our democracy. By joining political parties, the public can push for congregating structures to be established including think tanks, get their preferred candidates nominated and ensure the elected officials deliver on their mandates. For our democracy, to grow Kenyans need to take power back and push for strong parties. Will you rise up?
Here is the comprehensive report From Law to Practice
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