Ministers, speaker should not hold elective offices, says EAC

Ustaadh

JF-Expert Member
Oct 25, 2009
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THE East African Community (EAC) has proposed that member states enact laws stopping ministers and speakers of Parliament from vying for and holding elective offices.

The community also wants the Speaker of Parliament not to belong to any party.

The proposals are contained in the draft East African Community Framework on Good Governance, which is being discussed in a three-day workshop at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe.

Uganda, like other member states, has ministers and a speaker of Parliament who hold constituency seats and subscribe to the National Resistance Movement party.

“We cannot underplay the link between regional integration, good governance and protection of human rights. Regional integration will not be successful if it is not underpinned by good governance,” Beatrice Kiraso, the EAC deputy secretary general, said.

The draft protocol also urged partner states to provide for independent candidates to run for elective offices.

“Every person shall have the right and the opportunity to present themselves for elections, and to be elected within any partner state in such a manner as provided for by the relevant legislation regardless of their political affiliation or lack of it,” read article 14 of the draft Bill.

The draft policy also provides common standards for constitutionalism, the rule of law, access to justice, protection of human rights, prevention of corruption, separation of power, conflict prevention and management.

The draft protocol also proposes that the community establish a mechanism and policies that will ensure the independence of the each of the three organs of government and avoid duplication of roles.

It is urging partner states to deter the involvement of the military and armed forces in the political processes.
 
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