A section of ODM delegates want the party's presidential candidate elected directly by party members using the secret ballot. The delegates, mainly from Western Province, told party leader Raila Odinga that the only way to ensure the party gets a popular candidate was through a direct nomination.
The Star has learnt that the delegates told the Leaders' Strategic Conference which was addressed by Raila on Thursday last week that they will go for nothing less when the time comes for nominating the party's flag bearer. The decision by the Western region to push for the adoption of the secret ballot is seen as part of the scheme by Mudavadi's forces in the party to steal the thunder from the party leader.
Mudavadi is the deputy leader and has also declared interest in contesting the presidency through the party's ticket. The delegates argued that national delegates convention was not suitable as it was amenable to abuse. “The delegates are few and they are easily being influenced by money,” said Albert Wetindi, the chairman of Malava Town Council.
According to the proposal, western and other friendly regions want the party to adopt a system where all the 20 officials at the sub-branch will directly elect the presidential candidate.
Kwale ODM chairman Hassan Mwanyoha yesterday supported the call for the counties to be involved in the nomination of the president. “We want every one to participate in the nominations. Not a few people ferried in Nairobi. That is abusing democracy,” he said. During the meeting delegates from the coast presented a memoranda to the PM demanding a quick resolution of the land question in the region.
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