The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was on Friday dealt a blow after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) directed that all political parties should conduct their nominations between April 13 and 26.
IEBC Chairperson Mr Wafula Chebukati in a statement to the press noted that all party nominations would be held only after the gazettement of aspirants' names.
The elections agency also announced that all parties should submit their lists of nominees by May 10th 2017.
Earlier this week, the elections body had issued a statement declaring ODM's nominations illegal but changed heart on Thursday after a meeting with the National Super Alliance (NASA) principals. After the session, the IEBC Chairman indicated that it would deliver a ruling on Friday.
On Wednesday, ODM National Elections Board (NEB) Chairperson Judith Pareno had mentioned that the party would proceed with its nomination as scheduled except for areas facing logistical challenges.
"Preparations for the primaries are in top gear and all the logistics are in place in readiness for the exercise. The board wishes to advise all the aspirants and members that the nominations shall proceed as scheduled save for Busia, Bungoma and Machakos Counties whose dates were pushed forward by a day from 7th to 8th April to give room for closure of schools," Pareno stated.
ODM had scheduled its nomination to begin on tomorrow, April 8th but would now be forced to postpone after the new IEBC directive.
Here is a copy of IEBC's directive:
Political Parties primaries shall be conducted between 13th and 26th April, 2017 and list of nominees submitted to IEBC by 10th May, 2017 pic.twitter.com/0HYHo6pAVS
— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) April 7, 2017
