Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Secretariat has been warned against issuing nomination certificates to unpopular candidates which might lead to mass exodus of members ahead of 2017 polls.
Newly elected Borabu constituency officials led by Peter Manwa on Sunday said the team was willing and ready to work towards revamping the party in the grassroots, but warned of dire consequences if the party tolerated skewed nominations ahead of 2017 elections.
They said the habit was synonymous in the region, with deserving candidates losing nominations to candidates who were ‘well connected’ within the Orange House.
“First, on behalf of this team I want to categorically say that we are ready to revamp the party at the grassroots and register more members ahead of the general elections. Majority of us are youths and I believe we can reach more masses. However, there is a habit of handing nomination certificates to losers, that will jeopardise our chances of winning,” said Manwa.
They also urged the party to conduct nominations early ahead of the polls to allow candidates and grassroots officials to concentrate on main elections.
“As new officials, we have also written to Secretary General (Ababu Namwamba) to consider persuading the election board to conduct the nominations earlier so that we can have ample time to campaign for our candidates in all posts ahead on general elections,” he said.
They also urged the party to soften its stand on de-whipping alleged rebels within the party, adding that all members should be allowed to express themselves freely.
“We also want to urge the National Secretariat to ensure those suspected to be rebels are treated fairly and given room to express themselves without intimidation because ODM is a democratic party,” said Organising Secretary Joyce Moraa.