Muranga: Low turnout mars UDA nominations in Kandara

UDA nominations in Kandara have been characterized by low turnout with few people trickling into the polling stations.

The voting however delayed by more than three hours with the exercise kicking off as late as 10:00 am.

Salome Baiko, a member of the UDA party election board said the delay was occasioned by having more clerks and returning officers than required and they had to sort it out.

"We had more clerks than we required and we had to address this issue to only be left with the number we needed," Baiko said.

She also pointed out an incident at Karuku polling station where some residents claimed there were more ballot papers stuffed in a box but the returning officer had them counted to clear the allegations.

She however said there were no other hitches reported urging residents to turn out in large numbers.

"There are no issues witnessed so far and we hope to close the exercise smoothly," she added.

The officer said the party has put all measures in place to ensure a free and transparent exercise.

Candidates seeking the ticket said they are contented with the way the exercise is being conducted adding that they are eagerly waiting for the results.

With the party the IEBC register, the candidates will be scrambling for 105, 148 votes.

14 candidates are contesting to secure the party ticket ahead of the by-election slated for January 5, 2023.

• UDA