Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

summery of exchange visit

When Malawi was gearing up for elections in 2009, the political climate was characterised by high tensions. There were signs that if not managed properly, the violence that devastated Kenya in 2008 might be repeated in Malawi.

Video report of a visit by Kenyan politicians and electoral commission officials to South Africa, 28 November - 3 December 2009

Video report of a regional exchange held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 3-8 May, to compare constitutional review processes

Yesterday, a large majority of the Kenyan people approved a new constitution through a referendum. Both the result and the peaceful conduct of the referendum present a great mandate for political reform in Kenya.

On 4 August, Kenyans go to the polls, facing a choice between 'Yes' or 'No' in answer to the question: "Do you approve the proposed constitution?" or in Swahili: "Je, unaikubali katiba mpya inayopendekezwa?"

Today, a number of African countries are moving towards a constitutional order that is not only democratic and legitimate, but also inclusive and popularly accepted.

Njeri Kebeberi is the Director of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy in Kenya (CMD-K). In the aftermath of the troubled 2007 elections, CMD-K played a visible and constructive role in fostering a multi-actor dialogue.

This week, NIMD’s Africa Regional Programme (ARP) will facilitate an exchange programme in Nairobi between members of Ghana’s Constitutional Review Committee and constitutional stakeholders from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya.

Last year Gideon Chitanga conducted research for Young NIMD on the political participation of young people in Ghana and Kenya.