3.3 Election Security as a Threat to National Security among African States: A Case of Kenya
Abstract
Over the last century, the continent of Africa has faced a number of security threats both internally and externally from the threats posed by slave trade raids to invasions from external actors who later colonized the region to more contemporary threats from disease, piracy, civil wars, terrorism and drought. However, a new emerging threat is gaining momentum in the region - election security. Since the introduction of multiparty political systems in several countries over the years, violence has become synonymous with elections. Violent cases reported before, during and after elections have increased in number despite efforts to democratize. The impact of these violent events and the extent that the threats pose to the country’s security are becoming more and more alarming. The increase of more deaths, displacement of persons, violation of human rights, and socio-economic and political instabilities have occurred as a result of election violence. In this paper, we have chosen Kenya as a case study to examine the ever-growing security risks posed by election events, which include the consequences of such violence to the lives of the people, and the country’s economy, social and political spheres as well as the challenge it poses in the country’s quest for democracy.
3.3 Election Security as a Threat to National Security among African States: A Case of Kenya
1920 Sangren Hall
Over the last century, the continent of Africa has faced a number of security threats both internally and externally from the threats posed by slave trade raids to invasions from external actors who later colonized the region to more contemporary threats from disease, piracy, civil wars, terrorism and drought. However, a new emerging threat is gaining momentum in the region - election security. Since the introduction of multiparty political systems in several countries over the years, violence has become synonymous with elections. Violent cases reported before, during and after elections have increased in number despite efforts to democratize. The impact of these violent events and the extent that the threats pose to the country’s security are becoming more and more alarming. The increase of more deaths, displacement of persons, violation of human rights, and socio-economic and political instabilities have occurred as a result of election violence. In this paper, we have chosen Kenya as a case study to examine the ever-growing security risks posed by election events, which include the consequences of such violence to the lives of the people, and the country’s economy, social and political spheres as well as the challenge it poses in the country’s quest for democracy.