The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party successfully conducted repeat grassroots elections in Mombasa and Tana River counties on Saturday, following disruptions during the initial polls held earlier in April. The repeat polls, organized by the National Elections Board (NEB), aimed to resolve technical issues that hindered smooth voting in these areas during the initial elections conducted on April 11 and 12.
The NEB, which oversees UDA’s internal election processes, stepped in after technical glitches interrupted the voting exercise in several polling stations across 22 counties. Specifically, the glitches affected Mombasa and Tana River counties, prompting the board to organize fresh polls to ensure that party members could exercise their democratic rights fairly and without interruption.
In Tana River, NEB member Jimmy Kahindi supervised the repeat elections in Garsen, Bura, and Galole constituencies, while in Mombasa County, commissioners Mary Mutinga and Halake Dida oversaw the polls in parts of Changamwe and Mvita constituencies. Mary Mutinga noted a significant improvement in voter turnout and confirmed that the elections proceeded smoothly, reflecting the party’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity.
The polling centers affected by the initial disruptions included key locations such as Bomu Secondary School in Port Reitz, Buxton Estate Hall in Tononoka, Koblenz Hall in Majengo, Serani Primary School, and the Kenya School of Government, all situated within Mombasa Island. These centers experienced technical difficulties due to faulty gadgets and adverse weather conditions, which temporarily halted the voting process.
Last month, the UDA successfully held elections in 22 other counties, including Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Kisumu, among others. However, some of these areas also faced interruptions due to technical challenges and harsh weather, underscoring the complexities of organizing grassroots polls across diverse regions.
The repeat elections in Mombasa and Tana River mark an important step in ensuring that all party members have a fair chance to participate in shaping UDA’s leadership and direction ahead of future political contests. The NEB’s swift response and organized approach reflect the party’s determination to uphold democratic processes even at the grassroots level.
