By D, KNA
Aspirants contesting for the ODM party ticket in Kasipul constituency, Homa Bay County, have expressed concern over confusion surrounding the location of polling stations ahead of the party nominations.
The aspirants, Newton Ogada, Okindo Majiwa, George Otieno, and Adel Ottoman said that by 6:00 p.m. yesterday, many polling stations had not been identified and communicated to voters.
Speaking in Oyugis Town after a meeting with the ODM National Elections Coordinating Committee, Ogada said some management boards of primary schools gazetted as polling stations had declined to provide space at the last minute.
Ogada argued that the uncertainty casts doubt on the credibility of the electoral process. “We have been told that some gazetted polling stations will not be used. However, no one has told us the exact venues that will replace them,” he said.
The aspirants urged ODM to ensure that the exercise is conducted fairly and transparently.
Ottoman lamented that the lack of information could cause voter apathy. “I don’t know where I am going to vote because my polling station, Dol Primary, will not be used. My supporters also remain in the dark,” he said.
Majiwa added that although they suggested a postponement of the nomination, their proposal was ignored. “Ordinarily, we use primary schools, but we are told pupils will occupy them tomorrow. Churches too have refused to cooperate with the party, leaving us in confusion,” he noted.
Otieno accused some ODM officials of openly supporting a particular candidate. “Despite there being a preferred candidate, we will still participate to ensure the party grows stronger in Kasipul,” he said.
Ogada, however, warned that he would reject the results if the exercise is mismanaged. “We expect this nomination to be conducted fairly. Failure to which, I will not accept the outcome,” he declared.