IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati alongside Kenya National Commision on Human Rights (KNCHR) chairperson Kagwiria Mbogori after public hearing on Election Laws(Amendment) Bill, 2017 and the Election Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2017, October 5, 2017. [Photo|Parliament of Kenya]The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has opposed a proposal, that its chairperson should not be a holder of a degree in Law.This came about during public hearings on proposed amendments to the Election Laws(Amendment) Bill, 2017 and the Election Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2017, Thursday.Appearing before the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee co-chaired by Baringo North MP William Cheptumo and Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo, chairperson Wafula Chebukati argued that IEBC leader should be a person equivalent to a judge of the Supreme Court as the Constitution stipulates."This is because of the complex legal procedures required to manage an election," he said.In the Election Law (Amendment) Bill 2017, Clause 4, proposes that "any person holding a degree in public administration, public finance, governance, electoral management, social science, or law from a recognized university is eligible for the position of IEBC Chairman".The Commission also opposed proposals to slash the its plenary quorum from five to three commissioners."It is our view that Commission decisions should be supported by a Majority of the Members... ie four," Chebukati said, since the agency has seven Commissioners.NASA is opposed to the amendments.The Select Committee on Election-Related Laws concluded public hearing sessions after receiving submissions from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on the proposed amendments. Other institutions that made submissions include the Kenya National Commision on Human Rights (KNCHR), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) among others.The committee is expected to submit its report to the respective Houses when Parliament resumes next week.

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