Kenyans want elections held in August

Written By:Margaret Kalekye,    Posted: Fri, Oct 14, 2011

86% of Kenyans expressed interest and intention to participate in the 2012 elections. Half of Kenyans would wish to see the elections take place in August 2012. This is according to a new poll released Friday by Infotrak Harris. The poll indicates that 37% prefer December date while 13% don't know. The proponents for the an August 2012 elections consist predominantly of the youth who are keen to see change happen quick and want the constitution respected. Infotrak CEO Ms Angela Ambitho says  urbanites are more keen for the August date as opposed to their rural counterparts. She adds that those for the December 2012 elections are the aged who are used to voting during the December holidays and would wish to maintain the status quo.   Nearly 9 in every 10 Kenyans ( 86%) expressed interest and intention to participate in the 2012 elections. Another 4% are still unsure whilst 7% indicated that they will not participate. "The high intention to vote can be attributed to a yearning for change that will see a stronger economy, reduced inflation, increased employment and overall better living standards for all Kenyans" said Ms Ambitho. The poll conducted between September 20 and 23 rates Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the most preferred presidential candidate with 41 percent of Kenyans currently willing to vote for him. Deputy PM and Finance Minister Kenyatta comes second with 19 percent. But if this would be the outcome the two would faceoff in a run off . The new law stipulates that  for one to be president he has to be elected by 50+1 percent of the voters countrywide.   Gichugu MP Martha Karua is third with 11 per cent, then Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka (nine per cent), Eldoret North MP William Ruto (seven per cent) and Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth (five per cent). Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa has two percent support beating Water Minister Charity Ngilu, Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti and Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi who have one percent each. MPs Bonny Khalwale, Najib Balala and Paul Muite have 0.5 per cent support, while Danson Mungatana and Mutava Musyimi have 0.3 per cent and 0.2 per cent respectively. 1,500 respondents were interviewed in the poll.