The Nexus between Electoral Preparedness and Results Acceptability in General Elections in Machakos County, Kenya from 2007 To 2017
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Date
2020-05
Authors
Njenga, Leonard
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Many elections in emerging democracies are characterized by unpreparedness which leads to
irregularities as well abuse of the process of electioneering. The purpose of this study was to
analyse the nexus between electoral preparedness and results acceptability in general elections in
Machakos County 2007, 2013 and 2017. The following objectives were used to guide this
research; to analyse the influence of electoral training on results acceptability in general elections
in Machakos County; to assess the influence of logistical management on results acceptability in
general elections in Machakos County; to interrogate the influence of elections stakeholder‟s
involvement on results acceptability in general elections in Machakos County and to analyse the
influence of results management on results acceptability in general elections in Machakos
County. This study was guided by three theories. These are the Contemporary Governance
Theory, Theory of Planning and Neo-Institutional Theory. This research used a descriptive
research design. The Target Population which was the study unit of observation was made up
350 IEBC official and 50 political contestants for the MP and Governors in the 2007, 2013 and
2017 elections. Stratified random sampling technique was applied in sample determination. This
study took 30% of the two strata‟s. In total the sample size comprised 120 respondents who
were selected through stratified random sampling method. With respect to electoral preparedness
and results acceptability, this study utilized a questionnaire and an interview guide to collect
primary data. Ahead of responses processing, the questionnaires which were completed were
edited in order to ensure consistency and completeness. Coding of the data was done by the use
of SPSS version 23 for enabling grouping of responses given in a number of classes. The nature
of the collected data was both qualitative and quantitative. The descriptive statistical tools were
used in data analysis. This comprised of the mean, standard deviation, frequencies and
percentages. Pie charts, figures and tables were applied in presentation of outcomes. Analysis of
qualitative data used narratives statements aligned to appropriate1thematic fields1and
outcomes1presented in1the prose form. The study concluded that electoral training, logistical
management, stakeholder‟s involvement and results management had a positive significant
influence on results acceptability in general elections in Machakos County. The study
recommended that IEBC should improve on electoral trainings, add the number of training days
and adequately remunerate IEBC officers well. To improve on logistical management, the
electoral body should carryout logistics arrangement early enough for the purposes of meeting
the set timelines. IEBC head value chain department should ensure the least time possible is
taken to ensure electoral materials reaches the expected regions. This should be coupled by
carrying out logistics arrangements earlier enough to avoid delays on the elections day. A proper
planning by IEBC should be advocated for. Further, IEBC should be transparent in all the
processes that are ongoing during the election and should give access to information to all parties
involved. To promote quality in results management IEBC should ensure that each cast ballot
paper is marked and stumped at the back to prevent electoral frauds. To enhance transparency all
results should be announced1at the polling1station and a copy1of the results, signed1by
party1agents. A combination of both the biometric and manual systems would help in effective
electoral results in management.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the School of Security Diplomacy and Peace Studies in Partial Fulfilment for the Award of the Degree of Masters of Arts in Peace and Conflict Management Studies of Kenyatta University.
May, 2020
Keywords
Nexus, Electoral Preparedness, Results Acceptability, General Elections, Machakos County, Kenya, 2007 To 2017