The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has made major changes in its party nomination rules to help curb malpractices and hooliganism.
“We have amended our party constitution to stagger the nomination exercise. In the past, we used to do it in one day and this didn't allow us time to tackle the malpractices. We will now abide by the rules and those found to flout them will be disqualified," Judith Pareno, the Chair of the ODM Elections Board indicated.
The Chair, further indicated that they had hired two security officers per polling station to prevent violence and hooliganism.
"We have hired two security officers for each polling station. We will also publish a list of our members who must be voters at the polling centre to participate. Those found engaging in violence will be automatically disqualified," Pareno highlighted.
Ms Pareno also mentioned that on the nomination day, the party would send out commissioners and presiding officers to different parts of the country to help fight corruption and favouritism.
She further noted that the party's nomination certificates would only be signed by herself, Secretary-General Robert Amunga and Executive Director Oduor Ongwen.
The new nomination rules come after aspirants had previously accused the party of bias and favouritism in party primaries.
The new rules if faithfully implemented could reduce instances of violence previously experienced when men in black invaded the party’s elections in Nairobi.
The ODM nominations are slated for next month. Below is the party’s nomination timetable.
Friday April 7: Bungoma, Busia and Machakos
Sunday April 9: Kisii, Nyamira, Samburu and Trans Nzoia
Tuesday April 11: Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale
Thursday April 13: Tana River, Siaya and Kisumu
Saturday April 15: Turkana and Kakamega
Monday April 17 Kajiado, Taita Taveta and Narok
Wednesday April 19: Homa Bay, Lamu and Migori
Friday April 21: Nakuru, Uasin Gishu and Vihiga
Saturday April 22: Nairobi, Makueni and Garissa
