Politics

UDA party sets 48-hour window for contesting grassroots election results

The National Elections Board (NEB) of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meets Homa Bay and Busia county aspirants on April 12, 2024, during a sensitisation meeting at the Hustler Centre in Nairobi. (Photo: UDA)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Wednesday, April 24, 2024

This ruling party is gearing up for grassroots elections set for April 26, 2024

The Electoral Disputes Resolution Committee of the United Party Alliance (UDA) has announced stringent guidelines for contesting vote outcomes, giving candidates a brief 48-hour window to voice their grievances.

This ruling party will hold phased grassroots elections in select counties this month ahead of the county and national-level votes later in the year.

In a statement on Wednesday, committee chair Joy Mdivo highlighted the key issues the committee members discussed, including the rules and timelines for filing complaints.

"Any complaint on the election will be filed within 48 hours after the decision complained about or after the close of polling," Mdivo said, adding all complaints will be lodged electronically via the email address udadisputes@gmail.com.

Mdivo noted that the committee is committed to ensuring transparency, fairness, and timeliness in the electoral and dispute resolution processes.

"This is the organ mandated to receive, hear, and resolve all disputes that arise from our electoral processes," she said, urging all candidates and party members to familiarise themselves with the rules, which are published on the UDA website

"As we approach the grassroots elections, the UDA Party's Electoral Disputes Resolution Committee stands ready to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and uphold the rights of all candidates and party members."

Last Sunday, UDA party officials led by Secretary-General Cleophas Malala received several electronic gadgets, including tablets, for use in the grassroots elections.

The first phase of the elections will take place on April 26, 2024, in seven counties: Nairobi, Narok, West-Pokot, Busia, Homabay, Isiolo and Garissa. The party postponed the Isiolo and Garissa elections to allow more preparations.

The second phase of the vote will take place on June 22 in 13 counties, namely: Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Kisii, Bungoma, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Wajir, Tana River, Kwale and Marsabit.

The third phase, on August 10, will cover the 15 counties of Kiambu, Embu, Kericho, Meru, Migori, Kakamega, Nyamira, Kitui, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Kajiado, Mandera, Kilifi, Murang'a and Lamu, while the last phase, on August 24, will cover the 12 counties of Nakuru, Bomet, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nandi, Baringo, Turkana, Laikipia, Trans-Nzoia, Kisumu, Vihiga and Makueni.