Veteran Kenyan opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called for African democracy to evolve beyond what he described as “ritual” elections and power entrenchment, urging that the will of the people must be truly reflected through the ballot.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, while reiterating his long-standing commitment to the democratic cause, Odinga stated, “African democracy needs to come of age.”
Odinga drew parallels between Kenya and several other African nations, criticising leaders who cling to power for decades and systems where elections serve only to maintain the status quo. “The problems you have in Kenya, exist in many other African countries. You’ve seen countries where people have been in power for 42 years and still want to run for the presidency. Some other countries, there are really no elections. Elections are just rituals, which are held basically just to perpetuate the status quo in the country.”
However, Odinga emphasised that the continent cannot afford to continue on that path. “The African people’s voices must be felt. The ballot should be able to speak for the people, because if it does not speak for the people, the people lose confidence in the ballot,” he said.
Asked whether he intends to run for public office again, Odinga said he has neither ruled it out nor committed to it. “I have not said that I’m going to run. I have not said that I am not going to run. I lead a political party, and I have to consult my political party so that the movement survives even without me. I’ve said that Kenya should be led by people who have got a clear mandate of the people. This can only come if the electoral process is really fair, so that the voice of the people is reflected in the outcome of elections. So this is what I want to see, even after I exit the stage.”
Despite having run for the presidency five times, Odinga said he is open to stepping aside. “I’m very ready to give someone else a chance. I don’t have to run, as I’ve said. It is a democracy, and I’ve got several very capable assistants who can take over the mantle where I am. I’m saying that Kenya is bigger than all of us.
“What I want is basically a strong foundation for democracy, so that the future generations don’t have to go through what I have gone through myself.”
Melissa Enoch
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