The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) was a significant political alliance in Kenya formed to contest the 2013 general elections. Here are the key details about CORD:
- Formation and Members:
- CORD was established as a coalition of multiple political parties ahead of the 2013 elections.
- It was primarily built around the leadership of Raila Odinga (Orange Democratic Movement), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Democratic Movement), and Moses Wetangula (FORD-Kenya).
- Other parties that were part of CORD included Kenya Social Congress, KADU-Asili, Peoples Democratic Party, Mkenya Solidarity Movement, Chama Cha Uzalendo, Muungano Party, United Democratic Movement, Chama Cha Mwananchi, and Federal Party of Kenya.
- 2013 General Elections:
- CORD contested the 2013 elections against the Jubilee Alliance led by Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto.
- Despite receiving significant support, particularly from about half of the electorate, CORD lost the election.
- They filed a petition challenging the election results, alleging irregularities, but the Supreme Court upheld Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory.
- Role as Opposition:
- Following their defeat in the elections, CORD became the official opposition party in Kenya.
- They played a crucial role in holding the government accountable and advocating for reforms and changes in governance.
- Dissolution and Formation of NASA:
- In the lead-up to the 2017 elections, CORD dissolved to form a larger coalition known as the National Super Alliance (NASA).
- NASA aimed to consolidate opposition forces under one umbrella to challenge the ruling Jubilee Party more effectively.
- The dissolution of CORD marked a strategic realignment of political forces in Kenya ahead of the 2017 elections.
In summary, the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) was a significant political coalition in Kenya that emerged to contest the 2013 elections but later dissolved to form the National Super Alliance (NASA) in preparation for the subsequent elections.
Leader | Raila Odinga |
---|---|
General Secretary | Norman Magaya |
Co-Principal | Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka |
Co-Principal | Moses Wetangula |
Joint Chair | James Orengo, Johnson Muthama, Eseli Simiyu |
Founded | 4 December 2012 |
Dissolved | March 27, 2017 |
Succeeded by | National Super Alliance |
Newspaper | The Kenyan Weekly |
Ideology | Social democracy |
Political position | Centre-left |