ugnet_: Kenya sets date for key elections-BBC

[Omar Kezimbira]

Tuesday, 29 October, 2002, 08:43 GMT -BBC Kenya sets date for key elections Moi had already dissolved parliament Kenya's much awaited general elections will be held on Friday, 27 December, the country's electoral commission has announced. Kenya's elections Presidential and parliamentary vote Due by end of year 'Favoured' candidate - Uhuru Kenyatta Opposition candidate - Mwai Kibaki The crucial poll will mark the end of President Daniel arap Moi's 24-year rule, as the leader is constitutionally barred from standing again. On Friday he dissolved the parliament in preparation for the vote, in which the country will elect a new president and a new legislature. Correspondents say that by dissolving the house he has ensured that a national conference, due next week to discuss plans to reduce dramatically the power of the presidency, will not meet. Close contest The candidate President Moi wants to succeed him is Uhuru Kenyatta, a 41-year-old businessman and the son of Kenya's first president. He is a political novice and accused by some of being Mr Moi's puppet. His main challenger is veteran opposition leader Mwai Kibaki, who once served as vice president under President Moi. He has forged an opposition alliance, composed of almost all Kenya's opposition parties and a large group of ruling party defectors known as the National Rainbow Coalition (Narc). The election campaign is expected to be tightly contested. Both main candidates are Kikuyus, Kenya's largest tribe.

Kenya election Is Kenyatta the right man to replace Moi? Yes No Politics of succession Stepping down State of the nation Retirement plans Election fever Uhuru: Moi's man Kibaki: Opposition head New constitution Poll delay warning Background Slum life series Timeline Country profile TALKING POINT Is Kanu in crisis? See also: 25 Oct 02 | Africa Countdown to Kenyan elections Internet links: Daily Nation East African Standard Kanu BBC Focus on Africa Democratic Party The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Africa stories now: Ivorian civilians 'killed by military' Kenya sets date for key elections Western firm denies Lesotho bribe Libyan planes shell rebels in CAR Berlusconi makes historic Libya trip Mugabe wins key by-election Trial of al-Qaeda suspects adjourned Blood diamond talks begin Links to more Africa stories are at the foot of the page.

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