Kenyans Vote for a New Constitution

August 06, 2010

Kenya held a referendum to adopt a new constitution on August 4, 2010.  It was the first time Kenyans reviewed their constitution since 1963. Reports indicate that turnout was high and the election took place without violence.

Constitutional Law, Democracy Assistance, Governance

Kenya’s Referendum on the Adoption of a New Constitution

August 03, 2010

On Wednesday, August 4, Kenya will hold a referendum on the adoption of a new Constitution. This process marks the first time Kenya reviews its Constitution since it gained independence in 1963. Almami Cyllah, IFES regional director for Africa, comments on Kenya's step forward.

Constitutional Law, Democracy Assistance, Governance, Elections, Civil Society

Insight into the ICC’s Investigation of Election Violence in Kenya

May 26, 2010

Earlier this month, the International Criminal Court ( ICC) arrived in Kenya to begin investigating the election violence following the December 2008 election. The bloodshed left at least 1,100 dead and over 300,000 persons displaced.

Elections, Post-conflict, Electoral Systems, Election Disputes

The Kenya Case and the Role of the ICC in Election Violence

January 27, 2010

While democratic elections are the cornerstone of a system of governance that best protects the right of the individual to self-determination, elections are not always without problems. In the absence of certain legal frameworks, such as a strong rule of law or an effective complaints adjudication system, factors like existing socio-economic cleavages or ongoing political skirmishes can lead to violence during the election process.

Legal Framework, Rule of Law, Election Disputes, Governance, Elections

Media, Elections and Political Violence in Eastern Africa: Towards a Comparative Framework

October 2009

A comparative report on post-election violence in Eastern Africa has been released by the Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy at the University of Oxford, the Center for Global Communications Studies at the Annenberg School, University of Pennsylvania, and the Stanhope Centre for Communications Policy Research.

Elections, Post-conflict, Electoral Systems

IFES Observes International Day of Democracy

September 15, 2009

In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly decided to observe September 15th as the International Day of Democracy. The preamble of the resolution affirmed that: "while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region...democracy is a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life."

Gender Issues, Elections, Public Opinion, Democracy Assistance, Civil Society

Kenya Inquiry Commission Adopts IFES Recommendations

September 29, 2008

An Independent Review Committee led by retired South African judge Johann Kriegler reported last week that the 2007 elections in Kenya that unleashed a wave of violence were so badly flawed that it is impossible to know who won. IFES studied the 2007 election process and delivered its findings to the seven-member Kriegler commission. Many of the IFES recommendations were adopted in Kriegler’s final report.

Elections

Kenya Inquiry Commission Adopts IFES Recommendations

September 28, 2008

An Independent Review Committee led by retired South African judge Johann Kriegler reported last week that the 2007 elections in Kenya that unleashed a wave of violence were so badly flawed that it is impossible to know who won. IFES studied the 2007 election process and delivered its findings to the seven-member Kriegler commission. Many of the IFES recommendations were adopted in Kriegler’s final report.

Elections

Ethnic Divisions and Electoral System Design: Prospects for Reform in Kenya

July - August 2008

In "Ethnic Divisions and Electoral System Design: Prospects for Reform in Kenya", Shane McGee, IFES' 2008 William and Kathy Hybl Democracy Studies Fellow, suggests that a country with deep ethnic cleavages like Kenya would greatly benefit from shifting its electoral system from a plurality to a mixed-member system.

Electoral Systems, Elections, Election Procedures

IFES Expert Available to Discuss Kenya Crisis

January 14, 2008

Kenyans are bracing for a new round of violence this week with planned street protests by the opposition and a political showdown as parliament reconvenes.