Nairobi: The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is set to conduct grassroots elections across eighteen counties as part of an ambitious nationwide initiative aimed at fortifying the party's leadership infrastructure at the polling station level. Speaking at a press briefing, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar outlined the party's strategy to galvanize grassroots support and establish a robust political network nationwide.
According to Kenya News Agency, Omar highlighted that the elections are crucial for creating popular leaders and mobilizing grassroots engagement. "UDA is today Kenya's biggest and most popular party. These elections are about creating popular leaders and ensuring we mobilize the grassroots," he stated. Omar emphasized that a well-structured party is essential for electoral triumph, adding, "Elections are won through discipline, strategy and track record, and I think UDA encompasses all that."
The Secretary General expressed confidence in a significant turnout from party members, underscoring the exercise's role in enhancing internal democracy. "Tomorrow we will see the membership of UDA coming out in large numbers to choose their leaders," he remarked.
UDA National Elections Board Chairman Anthony Mwaura announced that the elections would commence at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 5:00 p.m., with numerous polling stations established across the participating counties. "Tomorrow, as you are aware, we are having elections in 18 counties around the country mainly in the North Kenya and Rift Valley regions," Mwaura stated.
He mentioned that the elections were initially planned for 20 counties, but those in Nakuru and Kakamega were postponed for better coordination. Nakuru's election was rescheduled to avoid a clash with the ongoing World Rally Championship Safari Rally, while Kakamega's delay was due to a high number of contestants. "We skipped Nakuru because of the Safari Rally taking place this week, while Kakamega will vote later due to the massive registration where more than 40,000 contestants are involved," he explained.
The elections in Nakuru and Kakamega are now slated for March 28. Mwaura affirmed that the polls would be conducted at 8,819 polling stations, involving nearly 19,000 election officials, including returning officers and clerks trained for the exercise. "We will be having almost 19,000 election officials who will be stationed at polling centres to manage the process," he assured.
To ensure a smooth voting process, the party has prepared 9,000 digital devices for swift result transmission. "As you are aware, our election results come out immediately after voting. Within a maximum of 10 minutes we usually have the results," Mwaura declared.
He stressed the importance of peaceful and transparent elections, urging members to avoid any form of violence. "We believe our elections will be free, verifiable and without any violence. We are warning our party members to desist from violence, especially violence against women," he cautioned.
Mwaura also noted that the grassroots polls are part of a larger internal election process aimed at electing over 580,000 officials nationwide. Nearly 500,000 contestants have entered the race, with the party aiming for at least 30 percent representation of women among the elected officials. "After the elections we will have about 180,000 party officials and at least 30 percent of them will be women, which is something the party leader has emphasized must happen," he reiterated.
The comprehensive election process is set to conclude by June, culminating in a National Delegates Conference where senior party leadership positions will be decided.