ODM elections board says No to popular vote

ODM elections board on Thursday ruled out nominating the party’s candidate in the Homa Bay Senate race through universal suffrage.

The board’s chairperson Judith Pareno told a press conference at Orange House in Nairobi that it was logistically impossible for the party to organise a proper election.

She argued that seven of the additional 10 days added by the High Court on Wednesday would be consumed by the long holidays before the deadline.

On Wednesday, Mr Odinga said in Homa Bay that the election will now be open to the people though a universal suffrage system after the High Court extended the nomination deadline from December 19.

“We have spoken to the electoral commission and they told us that the last day we can possibly work with is December 27. We have tried to work with the time available and the board has ruled that election by universal suffrage is not possible,” Ms Pareno said.

She said that the National Executive Committee and six of the seven candidates present approved proposals to have the board allowed to do direct nominations.

“We have agreed that we will have direct nominations within the time frame that is available before the new deadline,” the chairperson said.

Meanwhile The National Alliance Party (TNA) has pulled out of the Homa Bay Senate race saying its failed to get a credible candidate.

Secretary-General Onyango Oloo said the party was unlikely to get a suitable candidate that can carry its flag in the ODM stronghold.

“TNA is a ruling party and can only clear a credible candidate and not people who are interested in trying their luck,” Mr Oloo said.