Written by Carolyn Wamalwa 2012-06-13 15:43:00 Read 496 Times

Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa with a Speacial European union delegation led by Ludo Breit who gave him a courtesy. the EU commended the government's efforts in embracing constituional reforms. [Photo | Carolyne Wamalwa | West Fm]

A special European Union delegation visiting the country has commended the government over its efforts to inculcate reforms in various departments of government, praising the recent reforms in the judiciary involving the vetting of judges of magistrates.

Speaking after paying a courtesy call to Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa, the delegation led by Ludo Breit pledged to support the electoral process as well as the full constitutional implementation.

“We are keen to support the electoral process and collectively the European Union and member states support the basket fund that has been created for this process to the tune of 66 per cent, that is two thirds of it…there are obviously other ways that we are supporting the electoral and reform process,” he said.

On his part, Wamalwa briefed the delegation on the progress that his ministry has embarked on to ensure that the forthcoming general elections are held in a free, fair and democratic manner.

The minister hinted that plans are underway to ensure that successful forums are held at the county level as of July to leverage the electorate on the need for peaceful elections, which will be followed closely by a national forum as the country prepares for the general elections.

“The peace forum we had in Mombasa was a culmination of several conferences that seek to build peace as we approach the next general elections. We have also briefed them that in the month of July we are going to have county forums in all counties where all our members of parliament have undertaken to participate in the process of peace building to ensure that we have peaceful election and subsequently a national conference on peaceful elections,” said the minister.

The justice minister further explained the progress made by his ministry in ensuring the key institutions including the IEBC,TJRC and NCIC are well prepared for the electoral process, which he said will be conducted in a transparent manner.

Wamalwa added that his ministry had already prepared two crucial bills: the Leadership and Integrity Bill as well as the Political Campaign finance Bill which are yet to be forwarded to the cabinet and later to parliament for debate and adoption.

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