september 10, 2024

Silas Rotich: »For the credibility of presidential elections, they must be peaceful«

Not just residents of the Nakuru Region have experienced how the 2017 and 2022 elections were very different. Silas Rotich, who works for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and coordinated both elections, can see that there has been a big change in five years.

Silas Rotich from Nakuru, works for the Kenyan electoral authorities, changing elections from within the system.

TEXT AND PHOTO: MARIE TORP CHRISTENSEN

Ballot boxes, checking identification cards & ballot papers, and having time to decide are just some things on the to-do list when planning an election.

The latter can be challenging to manage when conflicts lie beneath the surface and politicians pit communities against each other.

»There was a significant shift from 2017 to 2022, and it was evident that the collaboration between the different actors from both civil society and the state was instrumental, « says Silas Rotich, who, along with his colleagues from IEBC, evaluates each election and strives to rectify the issues. This underscores the crucial role that societal involvement plays in shaping the electoral process, making every citizen an integral part of the democratic journey.

»Leading up to the 2022 elections, MIDRIFT HURINET focused on training in violence prevention and ensuring that participants in their program could coordinate efforts across social groups, ethnic groups, and political views. «

Violence makes for untrustworthy elections

Dialogue and understanding are essential not only because they lower unrest and dissolve the basis for violence but also because they are crucial for Kenyans to participate in the electoral process and the conversation about the kind of society they want.

»It is essential for the credibility of the presidential elections that they are peaceful. Kenyans must be able to voice their opinions and be part of the debate without fearing for themselves and their loved ones, « says the election coordinator.

The next test for IEBC comes in 2027 when Kenyans go to the polls again.
»There are many elements to having a peaceful and credible election. It requires partnerships and involvement from the entire society, it must be possible to debate, and young people must be engaged, « the election coordinator concludes:

»The 2022 elections have shown that Nakuru is on the right track. «

MEET THOSE WHO FIGHT VIOLENCE AND BUILD BRIDGES FOR PEACE