8 Things That Can Disqualify You From Election As An MP in Kenya

It is exactly 3 months and one week to the August 9 general elections and Kenyans are looking forward to the day.

Many Kenyans have shown interest in various elective positions and it seems that the list of those vying will be very long as compared to the previous elections. 

Some have been nominated by parties to contest in the elections as others  will try their luck as independent candidates.

Kenyans will participate in the exercise to elect president, governors, senators, Women Reps, MPs and MCAs.

For one to make it to the ballot box, there are however a number of requirements that he/ she must meet and in this article we are focusing on the qualifications and disqualifications for one to vie for the Member of Parliament(MP) seat.

Qualifications for election as an MP

For one to vie for an MP seat he or she must:

• Have registered as a voter
• Meet the educational, moral and ethical requirements that have been outlined by the constitution.

There are however a number of things that can make one be disqualified from vying for the MP seat. They include.

• If you have not been a citizen of Kenya for a period of  10 years to the general elections you are not eligible to vie.
• If you are a state officer or  a public officer, except for MP. Those with political interests are advised to resign from their jobs 6 months before the general elections date so as to have time to prepare for the exercise.
• One is not qualified to vie if he/she has held a position in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) within 5 years to the general elections.
• Members of County Assembly are not eligible to vie for MP seat.
• Those who have misused or abused  a public or state office contrary to the section 6 of the constitution.
• One who does not have a sound mind.
• One who is bound to be sentenced to prison at least 6 months to the election date or deadline of candidates registration.
•  One who is an undischarged bankrupt

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