OSEN: How midterm elections can hold presidents to account
The article discusses the differences between presidential and parliamentary systems regarding executive accountability and the potential for midterm elections to influence presidential power. It contrasts the US system with the Kenyan political context, noting the difficulty of removing a president in the latter.
Why it matters
Understanding these structural differences is central to ongoing debates about constitutional reform and executive oversight in Kenya.
US President Donald Trump /XINHUA Critics cite what they call President William Ruto’s widespread unpopularity and talk about introducing a provision in law for removing a president, which now is virtually impossible, except through impeachment. It requires a constitutional amendment.
In the US presidential system, impeachment is the only route of removal, but midterm elections that loom in America on November 3 can weaken a president’s numbers in Congress, thus rendering his or her political agenda difficult or impossible to realise. Midterms are vital for holding the presidency responsible to the electorate.
At this time, US President Donald Trump’s popularity ratings have plummeted to an unprecedented 33 per cent and his Republican supporters up for reelection fear they will lose. And by extension, so will Trump, although he will still occupy the Oval Office until his second and final term ends.
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