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The Registrar of Political Parties Office (ORPP) has launched a review of the Political Parties Act, learning important insights from the 2022 election process.

Registrar John Lorionokou revealed the upcoming reforms during a visit to the Radio Africa Group, highlighting a renewed effort to enhance the internal frameworks of the nation’s 91 political parties.

The gathering also helped strengthen the collaboration between the ORPP and Radio Africa Group, which is the home of The Star and FM stations such as Classic, Jambo, Kiss, Gukena, East, and Home Boyz.

The Editorial Director of Radio Africa Group, Paul Ilado, expressed appreciation for the current friendly relationship with the Registrar’s office, commending the former holder, Ann Nderitu, for her accessibility and openness.

“She has left you with a strong team,” Ilado said, then assured the Registrar of The Star’s backing and emphasized the importance of a collaborative partnership.

He provided an open platform for the ORPP to share its narratives, concluding, “You have our support.”

Registrar Lorionokou conveyed his gratitude for the collaboration, highlighting that it provided a strong foundation to work from.

“We have an obligation to share information, and we are counting on your assistance,” he replied, pledging a cooperative future.

He subsequently detailed his office’s bold reform plan as the nation moves nearer to another election cycle in 2027.

At the heart of this plan is the amendment of the Political Parties’ Act.

Lorionokou stated that the office is “reviewing the Political Parties’ Act, referencing the 2022 elections.”

The procedure is not without historical example; the initial amendment of the Act in 2022 sparked vigorous and passionate discussions in parliament and encountered immediate legal challenges from civil society organizations.

The reviewers from that period claimed it was enacted without sufficient public involvement and included unlawful provisions.

Drawing lessons from that controversial era, the present review seeks to strengthen the political environment by enhancing the internal capabilities of parties.

The Registrar stated that the ORPP is creating a dedicated module to enhance party groups and is actively engaging with the youth and individuals with disabilities to promote wider participation.

Additionally, continuous training for political parties’ tribunals is taking place, a significant effort aimed at enabling parties to address their internal conflicts in a timely and effective manner.

Embracing contemporary trends, the office is also promoting the use of technology by parties to enhance public access and involvement.

Lorionokou pledged that before 2027, his office would issue clear instructions and called on the media to “remain faithful to the truth” when covering political events.

He concluded with a strong promise to tackle compliance matters across all political parties, indicating a stronger regulatory strategy in the years ahead.