This piece comparatively examines the challenges involved in conducting elections that are credible, free and fair as a cornerstone of the democratic consolidation process in emerging democracies in Africa with a focus on the general elections in Liberia and Kenya. Relying on documentary evidences it is widely clear that both countries are plural societies deeply divided along ethnic lines. Inter-group electoral competition is then framed on the ‘we’ and ‘them’ turning elections into a political battle of a zero-sum game. Election management bodies are also steeped in this ethnic framing thus hampering their credibility in conducting credible elections. Institutional theory underpins democratic functionality in achieving governance ends that meets citizens’ expectations and aspirations. Strong state institutions are therefore instrumental to democratic consolidation. Thus the intervention by the Supreme Courts of both countries to redirect the electoral management bodies to adhere to provisions of the law was a remarkable demonstration of the independence of the judiciary in Africa. This enforces the rule of law critical to democratic consolidation.