ODM laments over delays in appointment of IEBC selection panel

Following a meeting by the party's Central Committee, chaired by Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, ODM explained how the delay affected the by-elections in Ugunja, Magarini and the clearance of a nominated Member of Parliament. 

The appointment of a selection panel paves the way for the recruitment of seven commissioners that would facilitate any elections held countrywide. The law requires the commission to consist of members and a secretariat headed by the secretary.  

"ODM as a party is one of the most affected by this continued state of affairs. We are down three members in the National Assembly alone with pending by-elections in Ugunja, Magarini and one nominated member, all of which were held by ODM," the statement read in part. 

Further, the party appealed to the Judiciary to expedite petitions seeking to stop the by-elections,  citing that the cases ought to be treated as a matter of national urgency. 

"The by-elections aside, the new commissioners will require time to settle in and begin preparations for the 2027 General Election."

Currently, there are 11 electoral areas in need of by-elections for the National Assembly; with seven pending by-elections arising from the deaths of areas Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) while others resulted from President William Ruto elevating former Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi and former nominated MP John Mbadi to his cabinet. 

The Constitution dictates that whenever a vacancy occurs in an electoral area, a by-election ought to be held within 90 days. This, however, cannot take place pending the lack of an electoral body to facilitate the exercise.