Travel and Personal
A Peaceful Referendum
Its the first working day in Kenya, after two days of holidays. Monday was, of course, the referendum on a new constitution. I’m not certain why Tuesday was a national holiday. The government, which backed the constitution, had declared it to celebrate victory - so sure were they. I suspect it was also to avoid violence.
The United Nations, particularly the UNDP, received praise from the Election Commission of Kenya (ECK) for their support. UNDP’s Empowerment unit (they sit across the aisle from me) provided funds for civic education programs, printing copies of the constitution, and for supporting the ECK, throughout the preceeding years and particularly in the runup to the referendum. The UN, inspite of fears of violence, remained open on both days. In a greater show of support for democracy in this country, the US embassay was closed. US staff was asked to stay within their heavily guarded compound.
Well, the no campaign won. The government, split itself on the issue, lost. There was no violence - a big thumbs up for this country and its vibrant democracy, and embarassing - I hope - for the doubters.
Discussion
3 comments for “A Peaceful Referendum”
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Hi Dweep,
Its really interesting to read through the workings in the UN and about life in Nairobi. Feels a lot like Kaushik told me about Congo, except there seems to be more threats of violence there, and a maybe a general apathy towards UN and its workers in general. Do you feel that in Nairobi?
In quite another vein, Happy Birthday!!! Many happy returns of the day and best wishes from Kaushik and me.
Bidisha.
Hey Dweep,
Stop bashing the chicken’s (USers) . From other articles that I have read and also your post, it seems that the US is not considered as an ally from within the UN organisations. Is it the European sentiment that carries over or something that US has done with the UN?
Now you are a UN er
Congrats to all of you for a very successful elections. And also as you might know that it was not at all covered by local media in US.
Another successful reperesentation of power of democracry has been Election in Bihar, India.
Keep posting.
[...] My friend pointed out that the UN did not like the US. This explains, in part, why. At least some view here view it not as part of the solution, but as part of the problem. [...]