In my search for international news I came across the current convoluted Kenyan election process that is infringing on the stability of the political atmosphere. The previous presidential election held on August 8th of 2017 was annulled due to suspicions of illegality in the electoral process. The winner of the vote was the incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta, member of the Kenyan Jubilee Party, one of the major political parties in Kenya. He won 54% of the vote compared to the 45% going towards the leader of the opposition, Raila Odinga (Al Jazeera). The next scheduled vote is for October 26th according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. However, this ruling has caused a profound political crisis within the major Kenyan Parties. Riots and manifestations have been occurring in surrounding large cities in voice of the recent irregularities of the election. The Kenyan National Commission on Human rights has reported that, “37 people were killed in violence after the 8 August election” (BBC).

 

This is due to the fact that security forces are authorized to use live force in the containment of riots. Leaders of the opposition have called for these large manifestations in order to voice the opinions of discontent; however there is no promise for a “free, fair, and credible” upcoming election (Al Jazeera). The implications of an unfair approaching election instills angst for the population as opposition party members such as Odinga, who has recently pulled out of the race. In contrast, members and supporters of the Jubilee party have been calling the Kenyan judiciary system biased as they renounced the August 8th election. It is evident that if changes are not made by the IEBC than Kenyatta will once again be re-elected. The National Super Alliance has called for a number of reforms to prevent rigged elections in the upcoming elections. They insist on removing electoral officials who are to blame for the unfairness of the last election, increased voter verification practices, and including international experts to oversee technology system that prevent results from being rigged (BBC). If the Kenyan electoral process adopts some of these suggestions then there is hope that the system will become more impartial. This is important in the following years since Kenya’s independence in 1968 and transition into a Democratic Republic System. Often influenced by crisis from intrastate conflict spilling over in neighboring African countries, the stability of the Kenyan political atmosphere is important for its continuing process.

 

                                 

The people of Kenya deserve a trusted election process as they continue to have their opinions voiced within the multiparty government. Reading and contrasting the electoral processes of different countries is important for a dynamic worldview. It provides a means for evaluating the democratic status of nation states. The recent election cycle in Kenya prompts the thoughts of this past 2016 American election. Where there was information pertaining the possibility of the election being rigged from outside sources. One can only hope that reforms will be made to halt outside sources and corrupt officials from interrupting the democratic processes that promote freedom and people’s choice.

 

 

 

Works Cited

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-41580661

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/kenya-political-crisis-deepens-run-election-171018144909210.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/kenya-election-2017-riots-break-out-opposition-stronghold-raila-odinga-uhuru-kenyatta-results-a7883881.html

Pictures from

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001257728/president-uhuru-calls-for-prayer-and-reconciliation-ahead-of-repeat-poll