Observing Presidential Elections in Kenya

Abstract

The 2002 General Elections of Kenya were a turning point for the nation, demonstrating tremendous growth in the national political culture. Though many electoral offenses were observed, the elections were generally agreed to have been free and fair, resulting in an overwhelming victory for the opposition coalition NARC and their presidential candidate Mwai Kibaki. However, democracy is still not insured in Kenya; the political culture of the nation is still plagued by immaturity, violence and ignorance, all exploited by politicians. Furthermore, the new government has already displayed troubling behavior during the campaign process. These new challenges are the next opportunities for growth in Kenya's political culture, or growth beyond the autocratic misgovernance of years past, years riddled with fear, oppression, marginalization and corruption.