{UAH} East Africa: Lawyers Say EA Presidents Are Power Hungry

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East Africa: Lawyers Say EA Presidents Are Power Hungry

BY MAUREEN MUDI, 6 SEPTEMBER 2013

A section of lawyers have said some sitting Presidents use electoral laws to cling to power. East Africa Law Society president James Aggrey Mwamu said most sitting Presidents in Africa use unfair advantage to stay longer in office.

Mwamu said the National Assemblies have been part of the conspiracy to help the Presidents cling to power.

"Parliaments in the region pass weak electoral laws which sitting Presidents unfairly ride on to win undemocratic elections," he said.

Mwamu was speaking yesterday at the society's conference at Serena Beach Hotel, Mombasa.

The two day conference, sponsored by Ford Foundation, focuses on elections and constitutional trends in Africa.

It has attracted judges, lawyers and electoral experts across East Africa. IEBC chairman Issack Hassan and Supreme Court judge Mohammed Ibrahim attended the function.

Mwamu called on National Assemblies in the region to uphold the rule of law towards developing democratic governments. He said citizens from the region should keep their governments on toes.

Mwamu said the delayed appointment of Judicial officers and interference of media freedom is among the government's undoing.

"We insist that media freedom be upheld in the region to ensure open elections and democratically elected governments," he said. Mwamu said the Judiciary should be independent to discharge its duties.

"The Judiciary in East Africa must be beacons of hope and judges must accept constructive criticisms," he said. Mwamu said Kenyans need to regain confidence in the Judiciary. The Judicial Service Commission has faced criticism over its handling Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Gladys Shollei's case.

At the centre of the controversy was JSC chairman Ahmednasir. Mwamu said lawyers should act responsibly. He said the Judiciary and the Executives should promote democratic values. "Lawyers take oath to uphold the rule of law," Mwamu said.

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Gwokto La'Kitgum

"Even a small dog can piss on a tall Building", Jim Hightower

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