Democratic Consolidation in Africa : A Comparative Analysis of the Challenges of Elections in Liberia And Kenya

This piece comparatively examines the challenges involved in conducting elections that are credible, free and fair as a cornerstone of the democratic consolidation process in emerging democracies in Africa. The focus was on the 2017 general elections in Liberia and Kenya. Methodologically, documentary evidence was used to generate relevant data for qualitative analysis. Institutional theory underpins democratic functionality in achieving governance ends that meets citizens' expectations and aspirations. It is clear that both countries are plural societies deeply divided along ethnic lines. Inter-group electoral competition was then framed on the 'we' and 'them' narrative, turning elections into a zero-sum game. Electoral bodies are also steeped in this ethnic framing thus hampering their credibility in conducting credible elections. The intervention of the Supreme Courts of both countries to direct the electoral bodies to adhere to the provisions of the law is a remarkable demonstration of the independence of the judiciary in Africa. Building strong state institutions is therefore imperative for and instrumental to the enforcement of the rule of law towards achieving democratic consolidation.