By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) will not be holding its grassroots elections in Garisa and Isiolo counties this April.
The two were among 10 counties whose elections were slated for April 26.
In a statement on Tuesday, UDA National Elections Board Chairperson Eng Anthony Mwaura said the decision was to allow for more time to prepare for the polls.
Preparations, Eng Mwaura said, had been affected by the recently concluded Holy month of Ramadhan.
“Following consultations with the local leaders and aspirants from Isiolo and Garissa counties, it has become evident that more time is required for adequate preparations in the wake of the recently concluded Holy month of Ramadan and the subsequent Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations,” the NEB Chairperson said in part of the statement.
“The leaders have expressed that the timing of the Phase One of the elections immediacy following this important period has not allowed sufficient opportunity for all potential candidates and voters to prepare effectively,” he added.
Subsequently, the ruling party’s election board announced that it had agreed to reschedule the grassroots election for the Garissa to June 22 and Isiolo to August 24.
“The adjustments will provide all stakeholders with ample time to organise, campaign and engage in the electoral process without any hindrances,” said Eng Mwaura.
Meanwhile, the party affirmed that it remains committed to conducting trabslaren6and inclusive elections “and look forward to your active participation on the new date”.
UDA earlier this month announced that it will hold its grassroots elections in four phases.
The first phase is set for the April 26 in 5 counties.
Counties where the polls will be held are Nairobi, Busia, West Pokot, Homa Bay and Narok.
Currently, the National Elections Board is meeting aspirants for counties that will be involved in the elections for the first phase.
Already electronic gadgets that will be used in the exercise have arrived in the country.
Voting will be purely electronic but a UDA member will be required to be physically present at the polling station to participate in picking the ward, constituency and country officials.
