Acting Vice Chair Beatrice Amondi speaking during a sensitization meeting ahead of the Thursday grassroot polls in Kisumu. Faith Matete

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Preparations are in top gear for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections in Kisumu, with officials assuring members of a smooth, transparent, and fully digital process.

Returning Officer Charles Mundia said the exercise, set for Thursday, will begin at 8 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. across all polling centres in the county.

He noted that election materials are already being distributed to all wards, with logistics teams working to ensure timely delivery.

“We started distributing materials last week, and everything will be in place before the exercise begins. This time, the process will be efficient and strictly digital,” said Mundia.

A total of 588 tablets will be used during the elections, marking a shift from manual systems previously blamed for delays and inconsistencies.

Officials and clerks are scheduled to undergo training ahead of the exercise to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the technology.

Mundia said each polling centre will be staffed with trained personnel, including ward coordinators and party officials, to oversee the process and assist voters where necessary.

“We have organised training for all election officials so that they understand how the system works. This will help avoid the challenges experienced in the past,” he added.

The elections will cover 20 positions at the polling station level, representing various party structures under the grassroots framework.

Delegates elected at this stage will proceed to participate in higher-level elections within the party.

The ongoing sensitisation forums are aimed at educating members on the electoral process and encouraging participation.

Officials say the forums are also meant to address concerns raised during previous elections, including late starts and logistical challenges.

“Last time, some areas experienced delays, and in some places the elections did not even take place. We have addressed those issues. With a digital system, everything will start and end on time,” Mundia assured.

Speaking during a sensitisation forum, acting Vice Chair Beatrice Amondi said the party has intensified efforts to mobilise members and ensure a high turnout during the exercise.

Amondi noted that the party has resolved past logistical challenges, including issues related to polling venues, through engagement with relevant authorities.

“We had challenges with venues during the last elections, but we have since engaged the County Commissioner and the Director of Education to ensure we have adequate and accessible polling centres,” she said.

She added that the party headquarters is actively communicating with members to keep them informed and reminded of the election date, urging those who attended the sensitisation forums to spread the message within their communities.

“We expect those here to go back and inform others. The party will also continue sending reminders to ensure members turn up in large numbers,” Amondi said.

Both officials emphasised the importance of the grassroots elections in shaping the party’s leadership structure, noting that a credible process at the lowest level will strengthen the party’s overall foundation.

“This is an important process for the party. If we get it right at the grassroots, we will build a strong foundation going forward,” Mundia said.