ODM speaks on appointing nomination losers to plum positions if Raila forms next gov’t
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has said candidates who lose in the ongoing nomination exercise are not guaranteed of any positions if former Prime Minister Raila Odinga wins the 2022 presidential election and forms the next government.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Tuesday night, ODM Chairman John Mbadi noted that taking part in an election is a risk, therefore all parties involved should be ready to accept and bear the outcome whether positive or negative.
He further noted that no positions have been reserved or promised to nomination losers, adding that if Azimio forms the next government, they may be considered for appointments if they have the relevant qualifications.
“When you are getting into an election, it is a risk you are taking, only one can win. For the candidates who will not be successful either at the consensus level or at the ballot, if we manage to form govt and you have qualifications that are required, you may be given an appointment.
“...We are not just going to pick every dick and harry in the streets and give them seats because they showed interest in running on our ticket. You will only be given appointments when we form government if you qualify for those positions,” he said.
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File image of ODM chairman John Mbadi. |Photo| Courtesy|[/caption]
Regarding the ongoing nomination exercise, Mbadi noted that they are using opinion polls and consensus, but in areas where the two approaches fail, the candidates are subjected to universal suffrage.
He gave an example of Busia, noting that internal polls showed former Funyula MP Paul Otuoma was the popular candidate, adding that the other candidate was adamant about stepping down, thus the decision to have a contest.
He said the same could be applied in Mombasa if one of the candidates who is less popular refuses to accept the outcome of the internal polls.
“For Mombasa gubernatorial race, we are trying to persuade one of our candidates to accept that the opponent is more popular. However, if we reach a dead end, we will let them go through universal suffrage,” he said.
File image of ODM chairman John Mbadi. |Photo| Courtesy|[/caption]
Regarding the ongoing nomination exercise, Mbadi noted that they are using opinion polls and consensus, but in areas where the two approaches fail, the candidates are subjected to universal suffrage.
He gave an example of Busia, noting that internal polls showed former Funyula MP Paul Otuoma was the popular candidate, adding that the other candidate was adamant about stepping down, thus the decision to have a contest.
He said the same could be applied in Mombasa if one of the candidates who is less popular refuses to accept the outcome of the internal polls.
“For Mombasa gubernatorial race, we are trying to persuade one of our candidates to accept that the opponent is more popular. However, if we reach a dead end, we will let them go through universal suffrage,” he said. What's Your Reaction?
