STATEMENT

ODM STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF THE PARTY GRASSROOTS ELECTIONS.

ODM leaders at a press conference in this file photo.

PRESS STATEMENT
ODM WILL OBEY THE HIGH COURT ORDER ON PARTY ELECTIONS
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has learnt through the media that the High Court sitting in Nairobi issued an order yesterday prohibiting it from conducting grassroots party elections that were planned this week.

Media reports suggest that at least two of the applicants that sought this court order are members of the ODM. It is regrettable that ODM members with ample opportunity to address whatever issues they might have through the normal Party channels and structures as provided for by the Political Parties Act and the Party Constitution chose to initiate legal action at the last minute without notice to the Party.

It is equally unfortunate that the order preventing our long over-due grassroots elections was issued ex parte without giving the Party an opportunity to be heard. We have noticed this worrying trend whereby the courts have entertained last minute applications without due regard to the cost or convenience to those adversely affected.

Indeed, the realization of a new constitution and its full and expeditious implementation has been one of ODM’s unyielding commitments to the reform agenda.

The ODM members all over the country have patiently been waiting for Party elections, which have been postponed a number of times due to unavoidable circumstances. The Party and its members have spent huge amounts of money, time and energy preparing for those elections. We know that our members will be disappointed, even angry about this latest one.

Unfortunately – and even though we are ready and eager to hold our grassroots elections – the ODM respects the courts, adheres strictly to the rule of law and constitutionalism, and therefore cannot ignore the court order.

Moreover, we believe that it is time the issue over who can or cannot hold political party positions is resolved by a competent court once and for all.

For the reasons outlined above, the ODM wishes to announce that it shall suspend the scheduled grassroots elections until the case is fully determined in compliance with the court order. The Returning Officers are requested to immediately surrender all election documents and materials to the ODM National Elections Board.

We appeal further to the judiciary to expedite the proceedings in this matter so that we can conduct our Party elections as soon as possible.
We apologize to all our Party members for the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen circumstance and appeal to them to bear with us.

Declared at Orange House this 30th day of June, 2011

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HON. MUSALIA MUDAVADI
DEPUTY PARTY LEADER