Strengthening elections and political processes

Presents an update by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) of its April, 1996 assessment of the electoral process in Kenya. Issues covered include: the domestic political environment and political culture; the work of the Electoral Commission (EC); new legislation; the effects of delimiting constituency boundaries; the status of voter registration; election administration (e.g., polling stations, vote counting); the role of NGOs and political parties; constitutional reform; and donor assistance. The present the assessment confirms the conclusion of the 1996 report that the Government of Kenya (GOK) and the EC will primarily determine whether or not there is a "level playing field" for the elections and whether the candidates and supporters of all parties will accept the results. By this standard, the EC is commended for its steps to revise and consolidate existing legislation governing election administration; its performance in administering recent by-elections; and its ongoing dialogue with organizations involved in civic education and election monitoring. Indeed, the opportunity for a productive partnership between the EC and these organizations exists for t

Source: DEC abstract, PN-ACB-189 (1997). This is the source's own text, not a cited summary of the documents.