The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is gearing up for a significant democratic exercise as it prepares to hold grassroots elections on November 27, 2024. This election, which will take place in all 47 counties across Kenya, is a major opportunity for ODM to fortify its leadership structure and renew its commitment to inclusivity and representation at every level. The National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC), which oversees the party’s election processes, announced this new election date after a previous postponement in April due to severe flooding. Now, with plans in place, the elections promise to be a revitalizing event for ODM’s grassroots presence.
ODM members across the country are expected to turn up at their local polling units between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the designated day. This will be an opportunity to choose leaders for various critical roles within three key committees: the Mainstream, Women League, and Youth League. Each committee is structured to ensure representation across various levels, and the election will be held by consensus or by a show of hands, a method intended to make the process straightforward and adaptable to local preferences.
The Role of NECC in the ODM Elections
The NECC, ODM’s primary elections body established under Article 61 of the Party Constitution, is responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting these grassroots elections. This body has been tasked with setting up the procedures and coordinating with County Election Coordinators to ensure a smooth and credible election process. NECC’s mandate underscores ODM’s commitment to a democratic election, aligning with its foundational values of transparency, inclusivity, and accessibility.
According to the NECC, the upcoming elections are critical in maintaining a well-balanced and representative party structure. Each polling unit will elect leaders to fill various roles across committees, bringing new voices and renewed leadership into ODM’s framework. The Mainstream category, for example, includes key roles such as Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Organizing Secretary, Treasurer, Women Leader, Youth Leader, and three Committee Members. Meanwhile, the Women and Youth Leagues will elect leaders to serve in similar capacities, ensuring representation that is inclusive of gender and youth demographics.
Inclusive Leadership and Representation
ODM has underscored its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, emphasizing the participation of minorities and persons with disabilities in the electoral process. This focus aligns with ODM’s larger strategy of building a party structure that reflects the diverse makeup of Kenya’s population. By mainstreaming representation for these groups, ODM seeks to foster a political environment where all Kenyans, regardless of background, can participate and contribute to the party’s goals and future vision.
For ODM, inclusivity is not just an election promise; it’s a core part of the election structure. Each committee has been designed to allow for broad representation, ensuring that voices from all sectors of society are included. This approach will be especially visible in the Women and Youth Leagues, which are intended to empower younger and female members of the party, offering them an essential platform within ODM’s political framework. These leagues will elect positions including Chairperson, Secretary, Organizing Secretary, and three committee members each, creating a wide-reaching and supportive structure for young and female leaders.
Election Guidelines and Preparation
In preparation for the election, NECC has called on members to familiarize themselves with the guidelines for grassroots elections. The guidelines have been crafted to ensure clarity and consistency, making it easier for members to understand the process and know what is expected of them on election day. The guidelines are intended to address potential questions or issues members may have, providing a framework that emphasizes both transparency and accountability.
Additionally, NECC has highlighted the role of County Election Coordinators, who will play a collaborative role in ensuring that the elections run smoothly at the grassroots level. These coordinators are expected to work closely with polling units to oversee the election proceedings and address any challenges that may arise. By decentralizing part of the oversight responsibility, ODM aims to create a responsive election structure that can quickly address concerns, promote smooth operations, and uphold the integrity of the election.
How Members Can Participate and Stay Informed
ODM has taken several measures to ensure that its members are well-prepared for the grassroots elections. One of these is the provision of a dedicated USSD code, 483036#, which members can use to verify their membership details ahead of the election day. This service allows ODM members to check their registration status and ensure they are eligible to participate in the upcoming elections. By providing this tool, ODM demonstrates its commitment to making the election process as accessible and seamless as possible for all its members.
The NECC has encouraged members to actively engage with the election process and to reach out for any needed clarifications. According to the NECC Chairperson, maintaining an open line of communication between the NECC and the members is vital for a transparent election process. Members have been urged to stay informed about the election procedures and any updates or changes to the election schedule. As the party looks to its members for active participation, this outreach also reflects a recognition that communication is key to building trust and ensuring broad-based support for ODM’s leadership.
Positions Open for Election and Responsibilities
The upcoming election will give members the chance to vote for representatives across a variety of roles within the Mainstream, Women, and Youth Leagues. Here’s a breakdown of the positions open in each of the categories:
- Mainstream Category:
- Chairperson: Responsible for leading the committee and representing the interests of its members.
- Vice Chairperson: Supports the Chairperson and steps in as needed.
- Secretary: Handles administrative tasks, including record-keeping and meeting minutes.
- Organizing Secretary: Coordinates events and ensures smooth operations.
- Treasurer: Manages the financial aspects of the committee.
- Women Leader: Focuses on representing female party members within the Mainstream structure.
- Youth Leader: Represents the interests of the younger members within the Mainstream category.
- Three Committee Members: Assist in various duties and support the committee’s objectives.
- Women League:
- Chairperson
- Secretary
- Organizing Secretary
- Three Committee Members
- Youth League:
- Chairperson
- Secretary
- Organizing Secretary
- Three Committee Members
Each of these roles is integral to ODM’s structure, contributing to the decision-making process, planning, and implementation of various initiatives at the grassroots level. By electing members to these roles, ODM is effectively laying the groundwork for leadership that represents the values and vision of its base.
Continuity and Future of ODM’s Election Framework
As ODM progresses toward November 27, the NECC has assured members that the sub-branch, Branch, and County Coordinating Committee structures remain unchanged. This continuity is intended to preserve stability within the party, allowing ODM to build on its existing structures while still renewing its grassroots leadership.
ODM’s upcoming grassroots election is also an opportunity for the party to prepare itself for broader national challenges, setting up a foundation of leaders who will be instrumental in future campaigns and initiatives. With a streamlined process that balances flexibility with rigor, ODM is ensuring that its members have a voice in the party’s governance, from the local polling units to the county level.
In the days leading up to November 27, ODM plans to provide further details regarding the rollout of the election process, keeping members informed and involved. By encouraging members to participate and by ensuring accessibility through various resources, ODM hopes to conduct a successful election that sets a positive example for political parties across Kenya.
As the election date approaches, ODM continues to encourage its members to participate actively, remain informed, and, above all, uphold the party’s values of unity, inclusivity, and democracy. For ODM, these grassroots elections are more than a procedural task; they are an affirmation of the party’s commitment to representative leadership and democratic principles at all levels.
