5 African Nations Set for Elections in 2017

Kenya

The 2017 general elections in Kenya are scheduled to be held on August 8th. At least 22 million voters are expected to cast their votes to elect a new president, his deputy, members of parliament, county governors, and ward representatives.

The Kenyan constitution reserves 47 or about 10 percent of its 337 national assembly seats for women. Women are however eligible to contest for the “open” or general seats. To further promote a fair representation of all members of society, the constitution also reserves 20 seats of its 67-member senate house for women, youths, and the disabled.

Kenya experienced widespread ethnically motivated killings that followed the December 2007 Kenyan presidential election where as many as 1400 people lost their lives due to post-election violence.

In 2010, President Uhuru Kenyatta was indicted by the International Criminal Court over his role in the 2007 electoral crisis. The charges were however withdrawn due to a lack of evidence.

Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto are seeking re-election for another five-year term.