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A key mandates of the IIEC is to promote a culture of democracy in the country. This responsibility is vested on the IIEC in appreciation of the strong relationship between democracy and free and fair elections.
What is democracy?
Democracy can be defined as a way of governing based on people’s consent i.e. the will of the people. A popular definition of democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people.
It is based on the understanding that power belongs to the people and thus the government is answerable to them. People have the power to decide freely how they want to be governed and by whom. Democracy requires tolerance and consensus between people. The wishes of all are taken into consideration. Whereas the majority will have their way, the wishes and needs of minorities and disadvantaged groups must also be respected.
What are the pillars of a democracy?
For a genuine democracy to grow, a society must practice the following for all its citizens:-
- Justice
- Fairness
- Equality
- Respect for rights and freedoms
The constitution provides for the following key freedoms:- :
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom of press
- Freedom of association
- Freedom to acquire (though lawful means), own and sell property
Kenya which has a large area and population uses indirect democracy. This is a form of democracy where people do not directly govern themselves but elect or vote for a person to represent them in the local government, Parliament or as their president.
PRINCIPLES OF A DEMOCRACY
The understanding and practice of democracy differs from one country to another. There are however basic principles that constitute a democratic government. The following are some of the principles supported by people in most democracies:-
- Citizen Participation: This involves participating in political parties activities including attending rallies and other consultative forums, standing for elections, voting at elections, debating issues freely, attending community or civic meetings, being members of private voluntary organizations, paying taxes and even protesting lawfully to demonstrate in disagreement with the government of the day on certain issues.
- Human Rights and Freedoms of the Individual: democracy emphasizes the value of every human being. Examples of human rights include the right to life, to personal liberty, protection from slavery and forced labour, protection from deprivation of property, freedom of conscience, of expression, of movement, protection from discrimination on grounds of race, sex, etc
- Political Tolerance: The rights of the majority and minorities must be protected. Individuals must learn to be tolerant of one another’s point of view and to respect other people’s freedoms and rights.
- Accountability: Elected and appointed officials have to be accountable to the people.
- Transparency: The Press and the public should be able to get information about decisions affecting them by those they have elected and other public officers serving on their behalf
- Multi-party Political System: more than one party must participate and compete peacefully in elections and play a role or contribute to the process of governance.
- Regular Free and Fair Elections: Citizens express their will though elected representatives. In a democracy, elections are held regularly. It is important for elections to be free, fair and transparent. This requires the removal and intolerance of obstacles such as excessive government control, intimidation, violence or corruption.
- Acceptance of Election Results: In democratic elections, there are winners and losers.
- Equality before the Law: All individuals are valued equally and should not be discriminated on the grounds of race, religion, ethnic origin or sex
- Control of Abuse of Power: There should be control of the abuse of power. Some examples of abuse of power include:-
- Corruption,
- Discriminatory use of public resources or facilities by government, institutions or individuals to campaign
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Voter Information
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Resources
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Useful Links
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Independent Electoral and
Boundaries Commission
University Way, Anniversary Towers, 6th Floor,
P.O Box 45371 - 00100,
Nairobi.
Tel No: (254) 020 - 2769000:
Email Address: info@iebc.or.ke
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a Voter?
What is Voter Registration?
What is a Register of Voters?
Why is it Important to Register as a Voter?
Read More
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