PRESS STATEMENT
UPDATE ON THE PARTY PRIMARIES
For the past one week, the ODM party has in accordance with the law and party constitution been holding party primaries in various Counties across the country. The party decided that the nominations exercise be staggered to allow effectiveness and give enough room for the National Elections Board to prepare for credible nominations.
The Board is satisfied that so far, the exercise has gone on well and that only a few cases of discontent by members with regard to the exercise have been reported, some have been dealt with and others in the process of being resolved through the National Appeals Tribunal.
As we enter the penultimate stage of our party primaries, the National Elections Board wishes to assure members and aspirants that preparations for the final stages of the exercise are complete and the board ready for the exercise in the remaining Counties.
Tomorrow, Monday 24th April 2017, the exercise shall be held in Migori, Kisumu, Siaya and Homabay Counties as well as Nakuru Town West Constituency in Nakuru County and St. Monica Polling Station in Kitengela Ward of Kajiado East Constituency.
On Tuesday 25th April 2017, the exercise shall be held in Nairobi, Makueni, Garissa and Vihiga Counties.
The other repeat nominations will be held on Wednesday 26th April 2017, the last day given by the IEBC for political parties to finish their nominations exercises.
With regard to Kisumu County and the Court ruling on the County Elections Committee, we wish to assure members and aspirants that the matter has been resolved and the Board made a decision to bring on board new and independent election officials who shall oversee the exercise tomorrow.
The new election officials are from outside the County and are not aligned to anyone or team taking party in the primaries. This action has been taken to ensure efficiency, openness, fairness and impartiality during the exercise in Kisumu.
Election materials have been dispatched to the Counties and will arrive on time in readiness for distribution to the various polling stations ahead of the kick-off tomorrow at 6:00am.
The Board wishes to remind members and aspirants to preach peace, talk peace and maintain peace during and after the exercise. We shall not tolerate any acts of violence aimed at disrupting the peaceful exercise. The Board will take the necessary action that include disqualification if any aspirant will be found to be involved in violence and disturbance to law and order.
Thank you and God Bless Kenya.
Dr. Bob Arunga
Secretary to the NEB
23rd April 2017
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