Editor's note

On Tuesday Kenya goes to the polls, ending months of fierce campaigning in what’s turned into a closely run contest between incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta and former prime minister Raila Odinga. But general elections in the country are not more than just a game of thrones. They are driven by the demands and concerns of ordinary people, trying to navigate their way to the promised land of development, write Justin Willis, Gabrielle Lynch and Nic Cheeseman. There’s no gainsaying that the two main contenders have their eyes on the presidential throne. Daisy Maina-Maritim breaks down the country’s political formations, their strengths and their weaknesses. The outcome of the poll matters a great deal to Kenya’s most fragile neighbour Somalia. The biggest issue is whether the next president will begin withdrawing troops from the country. Stephanie Carver explains why a rushed withdrawal could destabilise the region.

Many South Africans are hoping that a motion of no confidence brought by the opposition and scheduled for Tuesday will get rid of President Jacob Zuma. Steven Friedman strikes a note of caution. Firstly, the motion is unlikely to pass given that the governing ANC has a comfortable majority in parliament. And secondly he warns, even it was to succeed, removing Zuma won’t lead to a change in the country’s politics.

Julius Maina

Editor

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  • What camera traps tell us about elephants eating crops

    Josephine B. Smit, University of Stirling

    Elephants feeding on crops poses a challenge to their coexistence with humans. Farmers must introduce strategies to reduce losses and avoid lethal action against the endangered species.