The Role of Technology in Elections in Kenya a Case Study of the 2017 Presidential Election

Abstract

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of any constitutional democracy. By and large, democracy dictates that every citizenry of a sovereign has a right to choose and replace their representatives in a credible elections. Kenya being a constitutional democracy enacted the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which has incorporated the principles and requirements of a free and fair electoral system. With the technological advancements, the use of technology has evolved and been adopted in the election process. In order to keep up with the times, Kenya has adopted and incorporated the use of technology in its electoral process. Article 86 of the Constitution of Kenya provides that election system shall be secure, accurate, verifiable, accountable and transparent. Accordingly and in furtherance of the foregoing principles, technology was integrated in the electoral management system to ensure free and fair elections. The Elections Act and the Information Technology Act of 2017 and Regulations made thereunder provide for the legislative framework of technology in our elections. The question of the use of new technologies to improve the election process has recently risen in different countries around the world. Although forms of electronic voting might be useful to enhance turnout or help with the counting and tabulation process, its use raises questions of governance of the election process. An election in which technology is used requires a greater technical knowledge. My overarching argument in this research is that technology plays an important role in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. However, for technology to ensure free, fair and credible elections, its use, application and management must be proper. Without proper use and management, technology is nothing more than a mere tool or aesthetic.