Kenya’s presidential election is on the ballot

Voting is underway in Kenya’s presidential election, where an opposition leader backed by the outgoing prime minister will face a self-proclaimed outsider and “liar” vice president.

Elections are believed to be drawing to a close, and East Africa’s economic hub could see its first presidential runoff.

Economic issues such as widespread corruption may be more important than racial tensions in which voting has sometimes led to deadly results in the past.

Kenya stands out for its relatively democratic system, a region where some leaders are notorious for having held power for decades.

Its stability is crucial for foreign investors, the humblest street vendors and beleaguered neighbors such as Ethiopia and Somalia.

Hundreds of voters lined up hours before voting in some places began, usually after the early morning whistle of volunteers.

Voting began late in some areas due to delays in materials or polling staff.

The top candidate is Raila Odinga, a pro-democracy activist who has been running for the presidency for 25 years, and Vice President William Ruto, 55, who has been running for the presidency for 25 years. ) underscores how he went from a humble childhood to attracting millions long accustomed to political dynasties.

“It’s a moment like this, when the powerful start to realize that in the end it’s the simple and the ordinary who make the choice,” Mr Ruto told reporters after becoming one of the first voters. “I’m looking forward to the day we win.”

He urged Kenyans to be at peace and to respect the choices of others.

“I am confident that the Kenyan people will speak out for democratic change,” Mr Odinga told reporters on the way to the vote.

Outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Kenya’s first president, angered Mr Ruto by backing Mr Odinga after a bitter 2017 campaign, smashing the usual racial lines.

But both Mr Odinga and Mr Ruto have chosen the running mates of the Kikuyu, the country’s largest ethnic group.

Mr Odinga, 77, made history by choosing running mate Martha Karua, a former attorney general and the first major contender to become vice president women.

“Let your voice be heard,” she said after an early vote in a knitted hat, indicating unusually cold weather in parts of the country.

Rising food and fuel prices, huge government debt, high unemployment and corruption mean economic issues are at the heart of an election in which unregulated campaign spending has highlighted inequality in the country.

“We need mature people to lead, not abusers. People who respect elders,” said teacher Rosemary Mulima, 55, who arrived with friends at a polling station on the outskirts of Nairobi to find an estimated 500 people before dawn In line.

She said she had “very high” hopes for Mr Odinga’s fifth attempt.

Others predicted a lower turnout than 80 percent five years ago and blamed voter apathy. The Electoral Commission signed less than half of the new voters it hoped – just 2.5 million.

“The problems of 2017, the economic problems, the problems of everyday life are still there,” said shop owner Adrian Kibera, 38, who wasn’t sure he would bother to vote. “We have no good options,” he said, calling Mr Odinga too old and Mr Ruto too inexperienced.

Kenyans want a peaceful vote.

Elections can be particularly troublesome, such as the bombing in the country in 2007 after Mr Odinga claimed he had stolen votes and killed more than 1,000 people.

Mr Ruto was indicted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity for his role in the violence, but his case was terminated over witness tampering charges.

In 2017, the High Court overturned the election results, the first of its kind in Africa, after Mr Odinga challenged it over irregularities. He then boycotted the new vote and proclaimed himself the “President of the People”, bringing charges of treason. His handshake with Mr Kenyatta finally quelled the crisis.

More than 22 million people registered to vote. Official results must be released within a week, but expect impatience if they are not released by the end of the week. The underfunded Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission is under pressure to ensure the vote goes smoothly.

To win outright, a candidate needs to get more than half of the votes and at least 25 percent of the vote in more than half of Kenya’s 47 counties. No direct winner means a second round of elections within 30 days.