I'm pleased to report that there has been virtually no violence and complete transparency in voting in the aftermath of the referendum on the proposed new Constitution in Kenya! After thousands died in the violence following the Dec 2007 presidential elections due to massive fraud, this is great news.
The Yes vote garnered over 2/3rds of the vote, and all sides are calling for peaceful understanding and reconciliation. The No vote would love to make some amendments to the constitution before it goes into full effect in 2012, but I doubt with only 30% of the voters they will be able to get much changed.
I read the constitution and it is full of progressive measures that ensure human rights, encourage sustainable development, and helps diversify and spread out a suitable balance of power between the branches of government. They've reserved 47 seats for female representation in the national assembly, as well as two spots (male & female) for the youth (18-35 yrs) and another two to represent those with disabilities.
On August 20th Kenya will host a signing ceremony where government leaders will pledge to uphold the new constitution. I am hopeful and cautiously confident that Kenya's worst days are behind them, and the best days lie ahead.
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