Kenyans' views on the 2013 electoral process

Even though the 2013 general elections in Kenya were conducted peacefully, questions still linger regarding their integrity.

Even though the 2013 Kenyan elections were conducted peacefully, numerous questions remain about electoral integrity. Along with other partners, the ISS analysed the views of 1 200 Kenyan voters surveyed about the general elections and political institutions.

The results of this original research, which were the focus of this seminar, have been published in two policy briefs. These findings provide recommendations for addressing the shortfalls of Kenya’s electoral processes and improving public confidence.

These studies formed part of the Comparative National Elections Project (CNEP) post-election survey, conducted by the ISS in collaboration with the University 
of Nairobi and the University of Cape Town.

Speakers at the seminar presented and responded to key research findings regarding the integrity of the 2013 elections in Kenya. Peter Aling’o, ISS Nairobi Office Head and Senior Researcher, Governance, Crime and Justice division chaired the seminar. Speakers were:

  • Dr Collette Schulz-Herzenberg, Independent Consultant
  • Ezra Chiloba, Chief Electoral Officer/Secretary, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)
  • Kennedy Masime, Executive Director, Centre for Governance and Development

Research conducted by Dr Collette Schulz-Herzenberg and colleagues revealed that despite the 2013 Kenyan elections being conducted under a new legal framework with a new electoral body in place, it was generally seen to be free and fair with a voter turnout of 85%. Even so, a lack of trust in the IEBC remained a major issue, with 28% of respondents indicating their mistrust and 17% of Kenyans not being able to vote because of list irregularities.

Click here to see the 'Analysis of electoral integrity in Kenya's 2013 general elections' infographic

In his response, Ezra Chiloba acknowledged that the research correctly highlighted the key challenges faced by the IEBC during the 2013 elections. He emphasised that trust in democratic institutions is vital, especially if the IEBC wants to manage the 2017 elections successfully. Although the IEBC was well trusted during the constitutional referendum period in 2010, the post-2013 election period has been tainted by government procurement scandals and other problems.

Regarding electoral integrity, Kennedy Masime said that future surveys on election integrity should be expanded to include other factors, such as campaign funding, participation of marginalised groups and party nominations. Whereas it is clear that IEBC needed to reclaim its integrity, Masime questioned whether the institution is able to do so without the support of other political players.

Speakers agreed that mass media, including state media, plays an important role in building a robust democracy in Kenya. Yet, during the 2013 elections, private TV channels were the only media trusted by most Kenyans. Generally, the media in Kenya is not providing its audience with objective analysis and accurate information, resulting in mistrust by the general public. In addition, social media appears to have become a platform for the spread of ethnic hatred that could fuel violence during the 2017 elections.

For more information download:

______________________________

Click on the image for the full size

Electorial integrity

Development partners
This event was made possible with funding from the government of Sweden. The ISS is also grateful for support from the following members of the ISS Partnership Forum: governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the USA.
Related content