•Party elections board chairperson Catherine Muma said there will be a central tallying centre where the votes will be counted in real time.
•She said the party had engaged the Communication Authority on the distribution of internet connectivity.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
ODM will conduct its party primaries digitally to curb electoral fraud and ensure credibility.
Party elections board chairperson Catherine Muma said aspirants seeking party tickets for various seats, will apply online and pay through a pay bill number.
“There will be a central tallying centre where the votes will be counted in real time,” Muma said.
“We are in the process of identifying the tablets to be used for voting, to detect any interference by another gadget.”
She said the party had engaged the Communication Authority on the distribution of internet connectivity.
Muma said the party was in the process of amending its nominations rules to align them to the Elections Act and Political Parties Act.
She said those interested to be included in the nomination party list, will apply online and pay Sh5,000.
“They will be assessed and rated through credible opinion polls before being listed,” Muma said.
She spoke during a consultative meeting for ODM aspirants from Western Kenya at Bishop Nicholas Stam Pastoral Centre in Kakamega graced by Deputy Party leader Wycliffe Oparanya on Monday.
Governor Sospeter Ojaamong’ (Busia), Kakamega Deputy Governor Philip Kutima, MPs Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Godfrey Osotsi (nominated) Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani) were present.
Others were Raphael Wanjala (Budalangi) Wilber Mudenyo (Funyula), Elsie Muhanda (Kakamega Woman Rep) Geoffrey Omuse (Teso South) and Johnston Naicah (Mumias West).
Muma cautioned members against stigmatising new members joining the party.
She said they should exercise decorum in dealing with new members.
“We’re going into a coalition government. Right now we’re negotiating and bringing in people who we think are strong,” Muma said about recent defections to the party.
There has been disgruntlement among old ODM members who have complained the party leadership was courting their rivals.
She said the new members will be exempted from the requirements that a member seeking nominations must have been a member of the party for at least two years.
She said those interested in the party ticket must meet the requirements of the Political Parties Act, the Elections Act and the Leadership and Integrity Act.
The party has lowered the nomination fees for women, youth and people with disabilities to encourage them to take up leadership roles.
She said women seeking to run for governor will pay Sh250,000 as compared with their male counterparts who will pay Sh500,000.
Male candidates who pick female running mates will have their nomination fees reduced by one quarter.
Muma said those seeking to run for Senate seats will pay Sh250,000.
Those seeking the MCA seats will pay Sh50,000 while youth, women and people with disabilities will pay half the amount.
Muma said the party will use consensus, direct nominations, delegates and universal suffrage to pick candidates.
She said only presidential nominations will be conducted by use of the delegates system.
She asked aspirants who are party officials to resign by February 22.
Muma said the party will drop aspirants who will engage in violent campaigns.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris