文档介绍：Kenya's constitutional referendum
A chance to improve how Kenya is run
President Mwai Kibaki and his prime minister, Raila Odinga, are backing a new constitution that could change their country for the better. But tensions are high
Jul 29th 2010 | NAIROBI
THE referendum on prehensive new constitution, to be held on August 4th, is being hailed as a big step towards overhauling Kenya’s creaking political system and giving people a better chance of peaceful reform. But nerves are jangling in the run-up. The last time the country went to the polls, in a general election at the end of 2007, the ensuing violence left 1,500 people dead and 300,000-plus homeless.
Never again, said most Kenyans. This time around, the government has been assertive and astute in trying to keep the peace. Ten thousand police have been sent to the Rift Valley, the bustible bit of the country, with youth gangs from the rival Kalenjin and Kikuyu ethnic groups facing off against each other. Militias are said to be rearming, this time with automatic rifles as well as bows and arrows. If they are not kept apart, they may fight.
Opinion polls say some 60% of Kenyans will endorse the new document, a big enough majority to frustrate efforts to stuff ballot boxes. So solid a yes should get the politicians and civil servants back to work. It should also, on balance, give
Kenya a chance of getting better go