To vote or not to vote – The Futility of Elections in Africa: A Focus on Kenya and Zimbabwe

Elections are the usual mechanism by which citizens of a country democratically elect officials to represent them. During elections, citizens are able to exercise their rights and freedoms by choosing whomever they would like to govern them.

However, recent events in several African countries have seen many electoral processes lack integrity and credibility, which has made voters question the value and relevance of the process. Some have contemplated whether they need to vote at all.

This programme event, titled “The Futility of Elections in Africa,” with a focus on Kenya and Zimbabwe, brought together experts with wide knowledge of elections in Kenya and Zimbabwe. They include Tawanda Chimhini from the Election Resource Centre in Zimbabwe, Glen Mpani from Shikamo Africa, Willis Otieno, an Election Expert and Advocate from Kenya, and Prof. Karuti Kanyinga from the University of Nairobi.