Party nominations to be free, fair – ODM

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has come out to allay fears that the party has prepared a list of preferred candidates for any seat contestable in the next General Election.

In a statement sent to media houses on Wednesday and signed by ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, the party noted members’ concerns over the party’s nominations and process of conducting the exercise.

“The Nomination Exercise is a sole responsibility of the National Elections Board (NEB) and that it is the Board that will give the timetable and the modus operandi of the nominations. Members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) have no role whatsoever in the management of the party primaries and therefore should desist from commenting on the same as this creates unnecessary panic and anxiety among our members,” read the statement in part.

The statement warned that those claiming to have paid to influence any outcome would be disqualified.

“ODM finds allegations that some people have paid or are about to pay money to certain individuals to influence their nomination for various seats disturbing. Those claiming to have done so with the view of influencing their nomination next year are attempting to subvert our rules and regulations of nominations and if found, will face automatic disqualification,” it read.

The party further sought to clarify that nomination fees for all categories of seats to be contested in the General Election was well spelt out the party’s constitution as well as the Elections and Nominations Rules, adding that the fee was only payable to the party’s National Secretariat for which official receipts would be issued.

ODM nominations have in the past been marred with chaos.