Maraga opposes removal of live-streaming of election results
Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga is opposing a new bill that would remove the requirement for live-streaming election results. He argues that transparency is a constitutional necessity to prevent electoral violence.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the fragility of democratic processes and the importance of digital transparency in preventing post-election instability in Kenya.
United Green Movement (UGM) co-party leader and former Chief Justice David Maraga/HANDOUT Former Chief Justice David Maraga has opposed proposed changes to election laws that would remove mandatory live-streaming of results, arguing that transparency in the electoral process is a constitutional requirement.
Maraga said Article 86 of the Constitution requires the electoral system to be accurate, verifiable, secure, accountable and transparent, adding that no legislation can override the Constitution.
In a statement, he said he would work with the People’s Coalition for Electoral Reforms to oppose efforts he believes could undermine transparency in elections.
“The Constitution is clear. The electoral system must be ‘accurate, verifiable, secure, accountable and transparent’. No law is superior to our Katiba,” Maraga said.
He warned against changes he believes could take the country back to the era of the defunct Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) and the violence that followed the disputed 2007 General Election.
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