PART I

Rule 1 – Preamble

The Social Democratic Party of Kenya ("the party") is a nationwide Party whose overall objective is to unite the people of Kenya and build a modern welfare society based on political, social and economic democracy...

Rule 2 – General Principles

The nomination of candidates and election of officials of the Party and nomination of candidates for national elections shall be guided by the following principles:

• The core values of the Party as expressed in Article 3 of the Constitution of the Party
• Transparency and accountability
• Democratic, free, fair and simple processes...
• Promotion of gender equality, equity and affirmative action...
• Promotion of responsible, democratic, selfless and visionary leadership...
• Promotion of diversity within the elected officials...
• Rules and procedures that allow the widest possible participation...
• Promotion of decision‑making by consensus where possible...

Rule 3 – Citation and Interpretation

These rules may be cited as the Social Democratic Party of Kenya (SDP) Election and Nomination Rules (“the Rules”). … Definitions include terms such as “Agent”, “Candidate”, “NEB”, “Polling Station”, etc.

Rule 4 – National Elections Board (NEB)

Establishment, composition (9 members, gender balance, youth and disability representation), duties (ensure free and fair process, vetting, appointment of officers, accreditation, etc.).

Rule 5 – Election Officers

Details of Branch Election Panel, Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, Polling and Counting Clerks, their duties and qualifications.

PART II – Rules Governing the Party Elections

Rule 6 – Elections of Party Officials

Party elections shall be conducted for national office bearers, branch/County Executive Council, sub‑branch/Constituency Executive Council, Ward Executive Council, Cell/Polling Station Executive Council, SDP Women Social Democrats League, and SDP Young Social Democrats League. Details of leadership structures follow.

Rule 7 – Party Electoral Colleges

National, Branch, Sub‑Branch, and Ward Electoral Colleges are defined and their composition described.

Rule 8 – Notice of Elections

NEB shall issue a notice not less than 21 days before elections for branch and national offices, and within 7 days for elections caused by vacancy.

Rule 9 – Election Criteria and Procedures

Written applications, use of Electoral Colleges, secret ballot, public inspection of applications, notice periods, voting procedures, agent rights, counting process, and result announcement.

Rule 10 – Qualifications and Disqualifications

Eligibility criteria, membership requirements, education, conduct, and disqualification grounds.

Rule 11 – Elections of National Officials

Conducted by National Congress, quorum, voting method, preparation, assumption of office, custody of materials.

Rule 12 – Party Elections (Branch Organization)

Structure of Central Party, Branch, Sub‑Branch, Ward, Cell, and the women’s and youth leagues.

PART III – The Nomination of Party Candidates

Rule 15 – Categories of Elections Covered

Applies to Presidential, Senate, Governors, National Assembly, County Assembly, and County Women Representative nominations.

Rule 16 – Announcement of Vacant Positions

NEC advertises vacancies, application forms, pledge of loyalty, publication of candidates, appeal process.

Rule 17 – Vetting of Candidates

Establishment of vetting committees, criteria (loyalty, contribution, ability), timelines, publication of results.

Rule 18 – Qualification of Candidates

Specific requirements for County Assembly members, Governors, and other offices, including documentation and fees.

Rule 19 – Nomination Procedure

Submission of forms, fees, supporting documents, signatures, and verification steps.

Rule 20 – Pledge of Commitment

All candidates must sign a pledge of loyalty to the party.

PART IV – General

Rule 21 – Polling Stations

Definition and requirements for polling stations as gazetted by the IEBC.

Rule 22 – Party Register

Maintenance of the party register and verification of membership.

Rule 23 – Voting Procedure

Secret ballot, eligibility, voting materials, and counting process.

Rule 24 – Grounds for Disqualification

Acts that lead to disqualification, including bribery, violence, misconduct, and policy breaches.

Rule 25 – Campaigns

Guidelines for campaign conduct, financing, and reporting.

Rule 26 – Hours of Polling

Polling hours as defined by the IEBC and party regulations.

Rule 27 – Nomination Certificate

Issuance of certificates to successful nominees.

Rule 28 – Retention and Public Inspection of Documents

Retention period for election materials and public access provisions.