Residents of Baringo have been assured of a free and fair United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party senatorial nomination exercise.
The UDA National Elections Board Chair Anthony Mwaura said they have put in place adequate measures to enhance credibility during the exercise, which is set to be conducted in 975 polling stations on September 20.
Mwaura said the party has prepared and addressed all logistical concerns by the participants to ensure fairness of the process.
“I assure the people of Baringo a seamless, fair and verifiable nomination, and we don’t foresee any logistical challenge,” he said.
Mwaura said voting stations will open from 8am to 5pm, after which the results are immediately announced since the party has adopted a new electronic voting system that will replace the traditional ballot boxes and papers.
The chair, while announcing that the campaign period will end Thursday midnight, said they expect the electronic gadgets in the form of a tablet will arrive in the county from Wednesday before they are handed over to presiding and returning officers during the material day.
He added that the ten candidates will submit a list of 108 agents who will be trained on Friday in readiness for the exercise in which they expect a winner to be known shortly after 7 pm in the evening.
Mwaura allayed fears of network challenges within the county by noting that the new technology is only requiredduring relaying of results, which can be done at the nearest locality where there is availability.
He challenged other parties and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to embrace the new system to save the country a lot in terms of time and resources, especially in the usual counting of votes throughout the night, hence the delay in the announcement of results.
Among the candidates who are vying for the seat left vacant following the demise of William Cheptumo are Wycliffe Tobole, Kiprono Chemitei, Daniel Kiptoo, Evans Mundulel, Sylus Tochim, Joseph Cherutoi, Reuben Chepsongol, Linus Kamket, Isaiah Kirukmet and Masaa Kibet.
By Benson Kelio and Joshua Kibet
