SCOTLAND VOTES ‘NO’ TO INDEPENDENCE IN REFERENDUM

There has been a surprising amount of interest in Kenya’s media regarding the referendum in Scotland held yesterday on the subject of Scottish independence from the rest of the United Kingdom (England, Wales and Northern Ireland). 4.3 million Scottish voters over the age of 16 were eligible to vote on the question, “Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country”, Yes or No. 86% of registered voters did so.

The result just declared was:

“NO” TO INDEPENDENCE 2,001,926 (55.3%)

“YES” TO INDEPENDENCE 1,617,789 (45.6%)

LESSONS FOR KENYA?

There are perhaps several lessons to be learned here in Kenya.

Over 3.5 million Scots cast their votes yesterday. The votes were counted overnight and the result finalized, agreed and announced by the following morning – it can be done (message to our politicians and administrators).

The question put to the voters of Scotland was straightforward and required a simple “Yes” or “No” answer (a lesson to those trying to frame questions for a possible referendum in Kenya).

No one had to queue for hours to vote.

No one died.

No one is saying the next day, “The vote was stolen”.