Supreme Court Upholds Kenyan Election ResultIn an historic decision, the Supreme Court of Kenya has upheld the results of the recent presidential election in the East African nation. The election was a hard-fought contest between incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga. The ruling brings to a close months of political wrangling and speculation over the fate of the highly contested result.
The ruling paves the way for Kenyatta to be re-elected for a second term and ensures the continuation of stability in one of East Africa’s largest and most important economies. The decision will also boost confidence in the Kenyan political system and democracy, which is seen as a model for democracy in the region.
Background to the Kenyan Election
The election, held on August 8, 2017, was the fourth since the adoption of a new constitution in 2010. The main contestants were President Kenyatta of the ruling Jubilee Party and Raila Odinga of the opposition National Super Alliance (NASA).
The election process was marred by violence and intimidation, but ultimately an overwhelming majority of 73 percent of voters cast a ballot in favour of Kenyatta. However, Odinga challenged the results in court, citing fraud and irregularities.
The Supreme Court’s Decision and Significance
On December 21, 2017, the Supreme Court of Kenya, consisting of all seven judges, announced the decision to uphold the result of the election, citing a “lack of evidence” to support Odinga’s claims. In a breath of fresh air in an otherwise polarised political arena, the ruling was unanimous.
The significance of the result lies in its affirmation of the integrity of the Kenyan election process, the respect for rule of law and the fact that both domestic and international powers were willing to accept the process as legitimate and valid. This will provide a much needed boon to the country and could potentially lead to Kenya being seen as a model of democratic governance in Africa.
Implications of the Ruling
Now that the court has ruled in favour of President Kenyatta, the nation can breathe a sigh of relief. The ruling marks the end of a turbulent period and the beginning of a period of relative stability, which is needed in order for the country to move forward.
The chief beneficiaries of the ruling will be the citizens of Kenya who have for months been living in limbo as the country awaited the outcome of this process. Corruption, which has dogged the country’s political landscape since gaining independence, may also be checked by the result of this ruling as it serves to strengthen the rule of law in Kenya.
The ruling also has major implications for East Africa as a whole. Kenya serves as a major trading hub in the region and its stability and prosperity are essential for the region’s development. The ruling, therefore, has been widely welcomed across the continent as a sign of hope for a peaceful and secure future.
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the election results has been a major victory not just for President Kenyatta and Kenya, but for the entire country. The ruling has brought stability to a nation long plagued by corruption and bad governance and has provided a welcome sign of hope for the region. It has also been a significant step forward in the long-term goal of establishing a democratic and prosperous society in the East African nation.