Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for Kenya to take inspiration from the U.S. electoral system. Speaking about the speed, fairness, and transparency of the U.S. election process, Kalonzo pointed out the stark contrast with Kenya’s own electoral systems and processes, urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to draw lessons from the U.S. on how to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.
The U.S. election on November 5 saw over 150 million Americans casting their votes. Remarkably, the results were counted, tallied, and publicly announced within 24 hours of the polls closing. This rapid conclusion of the electoral process, alongside its transparency, fairness, and credibility, left a deep impression on Kalonzo, who used the opportunity to stress that Kenya’s electoral process should not be mired in delays or disputes.
“There is a lot Kenya can learn from the U.S. on how elections should be conducted, and particularly how to ensure transparency and credibility. The American election process showed the world that it is possible to have a free, fair, and efficient election within a very short time,” Kalonzo remarked.
This statement comes amid growing concerns over the management of elections in Kenya. Over the years, Kenyan elections have been plagued by issues of delays in announcing results, controversies surrounding the tallying process, and allegations of vote rigging. The IEBC, responsible for overseeing the country’s elections, has often faced criticism for its handling of these processes, leading to heightened calls for electoral reforms. Kalonzo’s comments call on the IEBC to address these concerns by adopting practices that have proven successful elsewhere, such as in the U.S.
Reflecting on the efficiency of the U.S. electoral system, Kalonzo emphasized the need for Kenya to modernize its electoral processes. In contrast to Kenya, where results can take days to be officially confirmed, the U.S. demonstrated how technology, efficient logistics, and streamlined procedures can enable the swift announcement of results. This is crucial for maintaining the public’s confidence in the electoral system, particularly in a country like Kenya, where elections have been known to cause political tensions and unrest.
Kalonzo’s statement also included a congratulatory message to the winner of the U.S. election, Donald Trump, who triumphed over Kamala Harris. Despite the divisive nature of U.S. politics and the high stakes of the election, Kalonzo acknowledged that the American electorate had made a clear choice, and he expressed his support for the newly elected President. “I extend my congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump on your election as the 47th President of the United States of America. I wish you every success and look forward to working with you,” Kalonzo stated.
The election of Trump as the 47th president was a major event, not just for the U.S., but also for global politics. Trump’s policies could significantly reshape U.S. foreign relations, particularly with regard to Middle Eastern diplomacy. One of Trump’s key promises during his campaign was to resolve the long-standing conflicts in the Middle East, specifically the Israeli-Palestinian issue. His administration’s approach will be closely scrutinized by leaders worldwide, including those in Israel, Gaza, and other Middle Eastern nations.
Trump’s victory has drawn a mix of reactions from global leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had a rocky relationship with President Joe Biden, welcomed Trump’s return to the White House, calling it “history’s greatest comeback.” Netanyahu expressed hope that Trump’s second term would reinforce the alliance between the U.S. and Israel, particularly in matters of defense and policy.
On the other hand, Palestinian leaders, such as senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zhuri, voiced skepticism. They reminded Trump of his previous promises to end the war in Gaza, urging him to live up to those commitments. Abu Zhuri’s statement underscores the complex and often contentious nature of U.S. foreign policy in the region and the challenges Trump will face in fulfilling his promises.
Meanwhile, U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also congratulated Trump and expressed optimism about the future of the U.S.-U.K. relationship. “I look forward to working with Trump in the years ahead,” Starmer said, emphasizing that the special relationship between the two countries would continue to thrive, particularly in areas like trade, security, and innovation.
As Kenya prepares for its own elections in the future, Kalonzo’s call for electoral reform could not be more timely. The country has witnessed a range of electoral challenges in the past, including contentious presidential races, accusations of vote manipulation, and widespread calls for electoral justice. By learning from the practices of established democracies like the U.S., Kenya’s IEBC could ensure that its elections are conducted with integrity and transparency, providing its citizens with the confidence that their votes are counted and respected.
In conclusion, Kalonzo’s message serves as both a reflection on the U.S. election’s efficient process and a timely reminder for Kenya to improve its own electoral practices. By adopting best practices from abroad, especially in terms of speed, fairness, and transparency, Kenya can strengthen its democracy and ensure that future elections are more credible and widely accepted.
