ODM schedules date for grassroots elections
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has confirmed its grassroots election dates for early April.
Emily Awita, chairperson of the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), stated on Thursday that Sub-Branch (Ward) elections will take place on April 7 at designated centers in all 47 counties, while Branch (Constituency) elections will be held on April 9 in 290 constituencies.
The voting hours are set from 10 am to 2 pm, and the process will be conducted through consensus or a show of hands.
“Only delegates elected at the Polling Unit level will be eligible to participate as voters or candidates,” she said in a notice.
Additionally, delegates who have not paid the Sh100 fee for Polling Unit elections will not be allowed to take part in the Sub-Branch elections.
Applications for candidates open today, March 20, and will close on March 31, 2025, with the process available on the party’s official website and app.
A total of 77 officials will be elected nationwide from four committees: Mainstream, Women’s League, Youth League, and Disability League.
Available positions include Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, Organising Secretary, Deputy Organising Secretary, Secretary for Women, Secretary for Youth, Secretary for Disability, and Special Interest Group Representative.
Aspirants for Sub-Branch positions must pay Sh200, except for those running for Chairperson who will pay Sh500, while at the Branch level, non-executive candidates will pay Sh500 and executive candidates Sh1,000, except for Chairperson aspirants who will pay Sh1,500.
After voting, the Presiding Officer will announce and upload the results to the party app, and then hand over the results template to the Returning Officer.
Members with concerns about the outcome may file complaints via the app within 12 hours, at a fee of Sh15,000 for Sub-Branch disputes and Sh30,000 for Branch-level complaints.
ODM also urged members to review party rules and verify their membership details by dialing 483036#.