ODM Disbands National Elections Board
ODM Disbands National Elections Board
ODM Disbands National Elections Board
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) declared on Wednesday, January 10, that the National Elections Board of the party had been dissolved. The announcement was issued by the party, which is led by former prime minister Raila Odinga, at the Central Committee meeting that was held in Nairobi at the Orange House.
Following the NEB’s dissolution, the opposing party declared that party elections would henceforth be held at the local level. During the discussion, the Committee proposed that “party elections be managed at the County level with two coordinators.”
Without a functioning NEB, ODM disclosed how the process would operate. It would involve a coordinating committee made up of three national representatives who would answer directly to the party central committee. The Party told its members, “This is aimed at improving efficiency, credibility, and grassroots empowerment in the spirit of revolution which the party holds dear.”
ODM remarked that Emily Awita and Richard Tairo who served in the disbanded NEB would be retained to the 3-member National Coordinating Committee for institutional memory. Additionally, Beatrice Askul from Turkana County was proposed to join the committee. Grassroots recruitment exercises and consultative forums for the month of January will take place in 9 counties. These include; Busia, Vihiga, Bungoma, Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Kwale, and Mombasa.
The committee’s chair, Raila Odinga, voiced her displeasure with the reduction in funding for political parties. Part of the party’s statement said, “This follows the recent slashing of the allocation to political parties funds by 60 per cent in the supplemental budget passed by Parliament.” President William Ruto’s administration, according to Raila and his group, is trying to destroy political parties.
