UDA grassroots elections record 70% turnout in Kisumu

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections in the Kisumu region are underway across four counties, with party officials reporting an encouraging voter turnout and a largely smooth process.

Speaking during the exercise in Kisumu, UDA National Elections Board member in charge of Nyanza, Halake Dida, said the elections are being conducted in 580 polling stations, with voting having commenced at 8 a.m. and expected to close at 5 p.m.

“So far, we have recorded about 70 per cent turnout, which is quite impressive,” Dida said, noting that the exercise has attracted significant participation from party members across the region.

He assured members that the process would remain free, fair, transparent, and credible, emphasizing that the party is committed to upholding the will of voters in choosing their grassroots leaders.

“We are guaranteeing our members a transparent exercise. We shall respect the will of the people in electing leaders of their choice,” he added.

Despite the generally smooth process, Dida acknowledged a few challenges, particularly involving voters who were unable to find their names in the registers at certain polling stations.

He clarified that only registered voters at specific polling centres were eligible to participate and commended presiding officers and clerks for assisting affected individuals in locating their correct polling stations.

“The issue has mainly been voters turning up at centres where they are not registered, but our officials are guiding them accordingly,” he said.

Unlike traditional elections, the party has adopted a technology-driven approach to manage the process. Dida revealed that there would be no central tallying centres, as results would be generated instantly at the polling station level.

“At the close of voting, the gadgets in use will automatically tabulate results and produce a list of winners. This means we will know the winners immediately after 5 p.m.,” he explained.

He added that while there were minor communication challenges earlier in the morning regarding coordination with county officials, these had been resolved by 8:30 a.m., allowing the exercise to proceed without further disruption.

Polling across several centres in the Nyanza region is progressing steadily, with officials reporting an impressive turnout despite minor logistical challenges experienced earlier in the day.

At Nyalunya Primary School polling station, George Wasingo expressed satisfaction with the exercise, citing strong voter participation.

“We are very grateful because our people have turned out in large numbers,” he said.

Wasingo noted that the high turnout was not only witnessed at Nyalunya Primary School but also across the different polling centres within the county.

However, he acknowledged that a few centres experienced early challenges, which have since been resolved.

“We had a challenge at Masogo Primary School in Nyando Sub-County, but it was sorted out after intervention by the County Commissioner and the Director of Education, who engaged the school administration,” he explained.

He added that similar issues were reported in parts of Kisumu West but were quickly addressed, allowing voting to continue without further disruption.

“In all the polling centres, the process is now moving on smoothly,” he said, noting that the challenges were largely logistical and administrative and did not significantly disrupt the overall voting process.

In Kisumu Central, voters turned up in notable numbers at Victoria Primary School as UDA conducted its grassroots elections.

Speaking at the polling station, Beatrice Amondi described the exercise as orderly and reflective of growing political diversity in the region.

“We are here to note that UDA is carrying out its grassroots elections, and what is happening behind me is a clear indication of the exercise. This also shows that UDA is becoming a household name, firmly rooted at the grassroots,” she said.

Amondi, who is also a candidate at the polling station, said she was encouraged by both the turnout and the peaceful nature of the process.

“I’m delighted to see quite a number of voters coming out to exercise their democratic right. So far, the exercise is free, fair, and credible, and everything is moving on smoothly,” she added.

She observed that the participation witnessed in Kisumu Central challenges the long-held perception of Nyanza as a political stronghold of a single party.

“This is a clear indication that Nyanza is not a political monolith. It is a mixture, and everyone has a right to participate and make their own decision,” Amondi said.