WE JUST WANT TO PUMP YOU UP:

Kenya showing democratic muscle: With a reputation for political stability, it is expected to see another peaceful election this week, even though the incumbent is trailing (Edmund Sanders, 12/23/07, Los Angeles Times)

[K]enya is earning a reputation as an oasis of political stability in Africa, thanks to a succession of fair and stable elections, even when results defied the wishes of the government. In 2002 voters rejected then-President Daniel Arap Moi's handpicked successor. Three years later they defeated a government-backed constitutional referendum. In both cases, there was little violence or backlash.

Now Kenyans say they are looking forward to exercising their democratic muscles again.