Kenya elects new President | PULSE 24

In east African Kenya, people are called on Tuesday to elect a new president. A neck-and-neck race is expected: polls put former Prime Minister Raila Odinga just ahead of former Vice-President William Ruto. Odinga, who is running in a presidential election for the fifth time, presented himself as a tough fighter once morest corruption in the country. Ruto promises radical economic reforms.

These should put micro-entrepreneurs and farmers in a better position. Both candidates advocate closer ties between Kenya and the West. Polling stations close at 4:00 p.m. CEST (5:00 p.m. local time).

For the country with its 56 million inhabitants, it is the fifth presidential election since independence in 1963. The winner of the election must win more than half of the votes. In view of the expected close result, there is likely to be a run-off election.

Riots and electoral violence are not uncommon in the country, which is popular with tourists. The background is ethnic tensions between the various ethnic groups. In addition, there is currently the tense situation due to rising food and fuel prices.