The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has demonstrated high-level operational readiness by activating a robust internal coordination framework ahead of its nationwide grassroots elections.
This proactive step, initiated just hours before polls opened, underscores the party’s commitment to ensuring an orderly and transparent exercise as it mobilizes its vast membership across the country.
In a public notice issued ahead of the exercise, the party directed that any member dissatisfied with the outcome must file a complaint within 24 hours after results are announced. The disputes will be handled by the party’s Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee (ENDRC).
“Notice is hereby given that UDA Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee (ENDRC) shall be available to receive, hear, and determine all disputes relating to today’s Repeat Phase II Grassroots Elections,” the party said.
The directive underscores the party’s effort to maintain order and credibility in what is shaping up to be one of its largest internal democratic exercises.
Mass participation across counties
The elections are taking place in 18 counties, drawing participation from more than 450,000 registered members. Voting is being conducted across over 9,000 polling stations nationwide, signaling a major logistical undertaking for the ruling party.
Counties involved in the exercise include Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Kisii, Bungoma, Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, Isiolo, Marsabit, Taita Taveta, Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa and Turkana.
Candidates from a wide cross-section of society are contesting various grassroots positions. These include representatives from youth, women, professionals, religious groups, farmers, small-scale traders and other special interest groups.
The party says the diversity of candidates reflects its intention to broaden representation at the grassroots level while strengthening internal structures ahead of future national elections.
Technology deployed to streamline process
In a bid to enhance efficiency and transparency, UDA has deployed digital tools to manage the voting and results transmission process. Approximately 9,500 electronic voting tablets have been distributed to polling stations across the country.
Results from the polls are expected to be uploaded directly to the party’s official platforms, a move aimed at reducing delays and minimizing disputes linked to manual tallying.
The integration of technology marks a significant shift in how party primaries and internal elections are conducted, with UDA positioning itself as a leader in digitized political processes.
Some regions face delays
Despite the widespread rollout, the party has postponed elections in Tana River and Turkana counties. According to the National Elections Board, the exercise in the two regions has been rescheduled to May 2, 2026.
Board chair Anthony Mwaura said the delay was necessary to allow completion of critical logistical and administrative preparations.
“This adjustment has been made to allow for the finalisation of essential logistical and administrative arrangements, thereby facilitating a well-coordinated electoral process,” he said.
Focus on credibility and internal stability
The activation of a dispute resolution mechanism ahead of the polls highlights the party’s awareness of the high stakes involved in grassroots elections. Such contests often shape local political dynamics and influence candidate selection for higher offices.
By enforcing a strict 24-hour window for complaints, UDA appears keen to ensure that disputes are resolved quickly, preventing prolonged wrangles that could undermine party unity.
The grassroots elections are also seen as a critical test of the party’s organizational strength and its ability to manage large-scale democratic exercises internally.
As voting continues across the country, attention will shift to how effectively the party handles emerging disputes and whether the systems put in place will enhance confidence among its members.
