Having been a keen observer of democratization in Africa and watched several elections over the years, I wish to make the following observations before addressing the issue of reforming the electoral system and processes in Africa….. : more

On November 3, 1992 when a young Bill Clinton heard that he had won the elections as the new president of USA one of the things he said to his wife was… “Had the world been a better and fairer place you would have been the one celebrating this presidency today, because you are better suited for the job than me……. : more

Constitutional developments that have taken place in Africa are mainly seen in the context of the colonial constitutions. It is trite to conclude that although Africa has posted several positive constitutional developments during the post colonial period, there have also been major erosions, reversals and general developments that have occurred which have tended to undermine the struggle for progressive constitutionalism. …. : more

The electoral reform process is a permanent feature of any democratic society. Each country is unique and as such will implement reforms, which take into account its political realities. …. : more

Despite the differences observed here and there in the practice of conducting elections over the years from one country to the next, the convergence of various democratic traditions have given rise to what may be considered the norms and standards of election management….. : more

It is a great honour and privilege to get this opportunity to share our thoughts and experiences from Kenya with you. I had been asked to write and make a presentation on “Presidentialism and Constitutionalism in Africa: ‘Third Term’ Phenomenon/Extension of Tenure: The Kenyan Experience.” …. : more

The now defunct Electoral Supervisory Commission (ESC) in its valedictory report on the Senatorial elections and the Gutu House of Assembly by-election of November 2005 notes that the absence of laws for the registration of political parties had led to the emergence of ‘fly-by-night’ political parties. It then recommended that to curb this tendency, political parties should be formally registered….. : more

There are several causes of election related conflicts, some of which are directly related to the administration of the process, but in many instances simmering political tensions experienced during the in-between elections find expression during election periods. In order for credible and legitimate elections to take place, especially in a post-conflict society or in a country that is plagued by political conflict it is critically important that the constitutional and legislative framework for the elections are clearly spelt out in the Constitution and the electoral laws and regulations. It is also necessary that the framework appropriately reflects the material conditions of the country rather than creating benchmarks that are totally unattainable for any of the contesting parties. For example, in a country where the society is polarized, it is particularly important that a level playing field is secured, through legislation, for all parties to have access to the electorate in order to campaign without fear of reprisals and without “no-go” areas….. : more

Election observation is a valuable tool for improving the quality of elections and helps build public confidence in the honesty of electoral processes. It can highlight on possible areas where the electoral process could be flawed thereby helping to promote the civil and political rights of participants. …. : more

The issue of disputed election outcomes is not a new phenomenon to countries that have carried out periodic elections to elect new governments after particular periods as stipulated by those countries’ constitutions or any guiding governance documents. Managing such conflicts has always been a challenge. Often some of these conflicts have degenerated into outright physical confrontations in the form of military surges, genocides and other forms of physical conflict capable of killing or maiming those caught up in the conflict. Zimbabwe is a good example of a country torn apart by a conflict that is election-related. Allow me ladies and gentlemen, to give background to the Zimbabwe Crisis….. : more