EC dismisses leaked Local council I and II electoral programme

Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama revealed that the electoral programs for 2023 administrative units and women councils and committee elections is not yet out.

This follows media reports that circulated a program indicating that it is the approved electoral programme.

“This is to clarify that the Electoral Commission has not issued the said electoral programme,” he stated.

According to Byabakama, the said electoral programme is an internal working document that was shared before approval.

“The prototype programme was for purposes of discussing the proposed durations for the conduct of the said elections and is, therefore, not an approved electoral programme,” he explained.

He appealed to political parties and organisations, aspiring candidates and their supporters to ignore the document “and wait until such a time the commission will approve and formally release the electoral programme.

In July, the cabinet decided to extend the tenure of LC I and II leaders for an additional six months due to insufficient funds to conduct their elections.

Now, as these six months draw to a close, the deadline is fast approaching.