EC Resolves Village Poll Complaints as LC1 Elections Near

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Uganda’s Electoral Commission has begun reviewing complaints linked to the ongoing village election process as preparations continue for LC1 chairperson and women’s committee polls. EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama told journalists on Wednesday that the main preparatory stages, including display of village voter registers and nomination of candidates, had been completed.

According to the report, the register display ran from July 13 to 14 and gave residents an opportunity to confirm their details and challenge names they believed were wrongly included. Byabakama said complaints about the eligibility of some voters and candidates had been received, with some handled by parish-level complaints committees and others referred to the national Electoral Commission. He said the Commission would hear the matters and communicate decisions to affected parties.

The EC said campaigns for village women’s committees had ended, with voting scheduled for Thursday, July 23. Campaigns for LC1 chairperson positions are due to continue until July 27, ahead of polling on July 28. The Commission reminded the public that only people listed on the official village register will be allowed to vote. Polling day is expected to begin with verification from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by voter education and voting from 11:00 a.m. using the lining-up method under the Local Governments Act.

Nile Post further reports that Byabakama praised what he described as peaceful participation and rejected suggestions of low public interest. The EC urged voters, candidates and political parties to follow electoral rules, maintain calm and support orderly grassroots elections.