Parties' Act under review after 2022 poll experience, says registrar John Lorionokou

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has initiated a review of the Political Parties' Act, drawing critical lessons from the experience of the 2022 electoral cycle.

Registrar John Lorionokou announced the planned reforms during a courtesy call at the Radio Africa Group, emphasising a renewed drive to strengthen the internal structures of the country's 91 political parties.

The meeting also served to solidify the working relationship between the ORPP and Radio Africa Group, the home of The Star and FM radio stations Classic, Jambo, Kiss, Gukena, East, and Home Boyz.

Radio Africa Group's Editorial Director, Paul Ilado, warmly acknowledged the existing cordial relationship with the Registrar's office, praising the previous holder, Ann Nderitu, for her availability and receptiveness.

"She has left you with a good team," Ilado stated, before assuring the Registrar of The Star's support and highlighting the need for a symbiotic relationship.

He extended an open platform for the ORPP to tell its stories, concluding, "You have our support."

Registrar Lorionokou expressed his appreciation for the partnership, noting it was a rich background to build upon.

"We have a responsibility to communicate, and we are banking on your support," he responded, committing to a collaborative future.

He then outlined his office's ambitious reform agenda as the nation edges closer to another election season in 2027.

Central to this agenda is the revision of the Political Parties' Act. 

Lorionokou confirmed that the office is "looking at the Political Parties' Act, borrowing from the 2022 elections."

The process is not without precedent; the original amendment of the Act in 2022 was itself a subject of intense, heated debate in parliament and faced immediate legal challenges from civil society groups.

The critics at that time argued it was passed without adequate public participation and contained unconstitutional clauses.

Learning from that contentious period, the current review aims to fortify the political landscape by intensifying the internal strength of parties.

The Registrar revealed that the ORPP is developing a specific module to strengthen party groups and is actively 'caucusing with the youth and persons with disability' to ensure broader inclusion.

Furthermore, training for political parties' tribunals is ongoing, a key initiative designed to empower parties to resolve their internal disputes effectively and efficiently.

Embracing modernity, the office is also encouraging parties to adopt technology to increase citizen access and engagement.

Lorionokou assured that ahead of 2027, his office would provide clear guidelines and urged the media to "stick with the truth" in reporting on political developments.

He ended with a firm commitment to address issues of compliance among all political parties, signaling a more robust regulatory approach in the coming years.