Electoral Violence in Africa: A Comparative Analysis of Kenya and Tanzania

Abstract

Electoral violence is one of the pernicious vices that afflict Africa. It has led to massive deaths, injuries, destruction of property and above all political instability in the continent. This article revisits elections in Kenya and Tanzania in order to explain this state of affairs. It observes that although Kenya has experienced relatively more incidents of electoral violence, Tanzania is still regarded as an "island of peace". Yet, Zanzibar as a distinct part of the United Republic of Tanzania has remained highly fragile. This article asserts that such violence is a function of unfair electoral rules, social cleavages, and economic disparities amongst the people.