Orange Democratic Movement to use secret ballot in party election

BY JAMES MBAKA

NAIROBI, KENYA: The Orange Democratic Movement(ODM) Executive Director Magarer Langat says the upcoming National Delegates Convention(NDC) will use secret ballot to pick new national office bearers.

 This will be a radical shift from the traditional acclamation and consensus processes which were used during the party’s first NDC in the run-up to the 2007 general elections.

“We want to ensure that the process is free and fair so that delegates can have an opportunity to pick their national leaders without undue influence and manipulation,” Magarer told the standard .

He made the remarks as aspirants in the 26 positions up for grabs appeared set for campaigns promising to restore democracy, credibility and confidence among members in the nomination process.

Past party primaries have been flawed and often marred with claims of bribery, favoritism and manipulation with some national officials accused of issuing nomination tickets irregularly.

The hitherto botched nominations usually led to ODM losing formidable candidates to rival parties, posing fatal competition for the party at the ballot.

 To reform the party aspirants have asked for free and fair elections when some 3200 delegates converge at the Safaricom Sports Stadium Kasarani on February 28.

Nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro who is eying to replace Kisumu senator Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o as the party Secretary General warned that any efforts to endorse individuals would backfire.

“We want to end the culture of issuing nominations to losers by the roadside or in hotels” Ongoro told the Standard.

She said ODM was under pressure to herald a new order to safeguard democracy by first ensuring that internal elections are conducted within the agreed electoral procedures.

“The process must be free from manipulation and to reflect the will of party members,” Ongoro said.

The nominated senator also warned against endorsements and challenged her competitors to face-off at the ballot. “I do not want any endorsement I need equal play ground so that delegates can decide,” she added.

Ongoro will face, Siaya senator James Orengo, Suba MP John Mbadi, Kisumu central MP Ken Obura, Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo and Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba during the NDC that will usher in fresh leadership in what will be the defining moment for the country’s once largest party but now seemingly shambling.

South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya says the elections provide an opportunity to elect leaders who have the desire to serve and strengthen the party “We want a fair-play ground, it is not about who is loyal to the party or not ,” Nyamweya said he will face former National Assembly speaker Kenneth Marende and Funyula MP Paul Otuoma.