New Constitution, Same Old Challenges:Reflections on Kenya's 2013 General Elections (original) (raw)

Rethinking our Electoral Processes :Case Study of the 2017 general elections in Kenya

Rethinking Our Electoral Processes: Kenya 2017 General Elections , 2018

The concepts of peace and security in Africa in general, particularly Kenya, are closely linked to electoral processes which are an embodiment of the idea of structural conflict presupposing an un-peaceful situation that exists between the dichotomies of peace and war. Guided by the main objective of the study, the research used secondary data to investigate electoral process before, during and after the 2017 general elections and how the activities involved impacted on human security. Subsequently, the activities, events and reactions investigated in the study have been put into perspective with specific reference to the two theories: institutional theory and the hierarchy of needs which established that the complex multifaceted democratic electoral process shaped by political affiliations, ethnicity and access to resources, institutionalism and stakeholders in the 2017 general elections had a huge impact human security. Categorically, the study developed knowledge on how these predisposition activities pertinently; the political comments and activities during campaigns and elections, forceful calls for electoral reforms by politicians coupled by the evident lack of trust by the stakeholders in the electoral process informed by the expensively procured inefficient electoral system elicited negative reactions led to demonstrations in areas of Kisumu and Nairobi. The use of excessive force by the police in their attempts to contain the protestors lead to massive loss of live and significant registered injuries. Extrajudicial killings, yet to be resolved, violations of human rights, curtailed media freedom and sexual violence left the victims with traumatic distress. Chiefly, the politically unstable environment instilled fear among investors leading to reduced long term investment plans with major projects being put on hold. Generally, the prolonged electioneering period marred with protests resulted to loss of lives, widespread looting, destruction of property and limited productivity in major economic sectors. This study recommends that in order to guarantee the integrity of an electoral process, protection of the results and the process is paramount. The study also recommends professionalism and impartiality among the IEBC commissioners. Their appointments into office should be done 12 months to election for efficient planning and execution of the audit report recommendations. Civic education should be integrated into the curriculum. On issues of promotion of human rights and protection personal/physical security, institutions that facilitate the electoral process should be strengthened to be proactive, rather than reactive, in ensuring peaceful co-existence, prevention of inter-ethnic conflict and intimidation before, during and after elections. There is also need for the protection and expansion civil society space. In order to sustain economic security, the study recommends sustainability of election cost, minimal disruption to businesses and political stability to boost investor confidence. This study recommends further research on food and environmental security subject to electoral processes with aims of finding sustainable solutions during an election cycle.

Democratisation in Africa: Lessons from the 2022 Kenyan Presidential Election

African Journal of Democracy and Election Research (AJDER), 2023

The principal objective of this paper is to examine conduct of the 2022 Kenya's presidential election. More precisely, it attempts to identify the best practices as lessons for democratization of the entire continent of Africa. The study that culminated in the paper was qualitative in nature, being based on the case study of the presidential election conducted in August 2022 in Kenya. For this end, this paper used observation, expert opinions, and documentary review for getting both primary and secondary data. The presidential election in Kenya largely met the threshold of a free, fair and credible election. The transparency was lauded by many and the constitutional provisions on timelines and corresponding activities served to boost predictability of events, which contributed to cooling tension and avert post-election violence like witnessed in 2007/8. The election was challenged in the Supreme Court and the hearing was open to the public until determination, that upheld the result. The role of the media and police was highlighted. However, several issues were observed that needs to be fixed to improve participation, voter turnout, voter education, budgetary constraints, resource allocation and communication of results and clarifying issues. Despite the glitches, the Kenyan electoral experience confirms the theory that repetitive elections breed democratic values, hence it offers good lessons to African countries. This paper recommends improvement in independence of the electoral management bodies and commissioners, solidifying election processes in legislation. Others include transparency of the entire process, adequate preparation including testing technologies involved, adequate resources released timely. It also recommends sufficient voter education, involving stakeholders and better communication. Keywords: Africa, Kenya, Democratisation, Electoral management Bodies, Elections

The 2013 Kenyan Elections: A 'Triumph of Democracy'?

Having been declared the winner of the 2013 Kenyan presidential election, Uhuru Kenyatta pronounced the polls a ‘triumph of democracy’. But to many commentators they were anything but. Prior to the election localized violence undermined the willingness of citizens to engage in the political process in a number of areas. During the campaign, the Jubilee Alliance manipulated ICC allegations against Kenyatta and his running mate to push a divisive ‘them against us’ rhetoric that depicted their main rival, Raila Odinga, as a national traitor scheming with foreign powers to undermine Kenyan sovereignty. For their part, Odinga’s supporters emphasized the need to prevent the Kikuyu and Kalenjin – the two groups most strongly represented in the Jubilee Alliance – from securing the presidency again. As the political temperature increased, there was little space for reconciliation and nation building. Moreover, while polling day passed without incident, the electoral system fell apart as soon...

THE PROS AND CONS OF ELECTIONS: KENYA GENERAL ELECTIONS (AUGUST 2022

The birth of 1992 democracy in Kenya called for a multi-party participation in Kenya's electoral system. This also marked the emergence of the fourth republic, the longest republic after the attainment of independence in 1963. To have a successful administration of elections in Kenya, there are some key processes followed by the Electoral Commission in the administration of the free, fair and transparent elections. This study looked at Kenya General Multi Party Electoral Processes and Electoral Challenges, with regards to past seven general elections. This article asked what Kenya's 2017 general elections tell us about the capacity of a new constitution to reduce the stakes of political competition and prospects of political instability. Three constitutional changes are particularly important: the adoption of a 50% + 1 threshold for the presidential election; the devolution of power to 47 county governments; and the introduction of a Supreme Court with the right to hear presidential electoral petitions. We found that the impact of the 2010 constitution had been mixed. The 50% plus 1 threshold encouraged coalition formation, but this dynamic had long been evident. Devolution had given a wider set of Kenyans a stake in the system, but also created new structures that can be used to channel dissent against the state. The Supreme Court demonstrated its capacity to act as an independent institution, but did little to sustain electoral legitimacy. Indeed, while the 2010 constitution was clearly reshaped the political landscape, it was a personal deal that ended the post-election impasse. The elections therefore demonstrate how formal institutions alone cannot change political logics and revealed the continued significance of individual politicians and informal institutions that may compete with or complement their formal counterparts.

Kenyan Elections, 2013: Can the Precipice Be Avoided?

Africa Peace and Conflict Journal, 2012

The 2007 general elections in Kenya witnessed unprecedented levels of violent conflicts, especially after the results of the presidential tally were declared. The situation was settled through mediation talks that led to power sharing. The mediation also involved restructuring the political system and institutions. The electoral system has been restructured and a new body formed to oversee electoral processes in Kenya. The judiciary as an arbiter of electoral disputes has also been reformed. Ethnic consciousness still remains a threat to peaceful elections. Although things are looking up, governmental and non-governmental actors need to be more prepared to prevent incidences of violence during the campaign period in the lead up to general elections in 2013.

Electoral Reforms in Kenya; Success case?

Wananchi Waseme Consulting, 2022

The Kenya democratic transition and its subsequent electoral reforms since 1990 have granted the country to develop an independent media, Judiciary, check and balances, and a more transparent electoral system. This is a remarkable achievement for Kenya compared to many countries in its region and continent. However, Kenyan elites' lack of consensus, ethnic tension, and instrumentalization continue to undermine its institutions and make the country susceptible to heightened ethnic tensions and post-election violence. The delay of funds to the poll agency, procurement, and management of electoral materials creates doubts about electoral credibility. As the country is going to its presidential elections soon, this policy brief analyzes how these issues will influence the election.

The 2013 Elections in Kenya and Zimbabwe: Lessons for Africa and Beyond

The 2013 elections in Kenya and Zimbabwe took place in the context of both optimism and fear. Held under new constitutional dispensations that promised democratic progress, these were ‘first-generation’ elections that followed the gruesome electoral-related violence of 2007 and 2008 in Kenya and Zimbabwe respectively. Those earlier violent polls infused renewed scepticism about elections as a peaceful mechanism for choosing governments. In a diametric departure from the previous electoral process, the 2013 elections were conspicuously peaceful in both countries, albeit with a nonconsensual outcome. This policy brief highlights several lessons drawn from the experiences of these elections, with policy insights for the rest of Africa and beyond.