Electoral Commission meets stakeholders ahead of Kalangala Woman MP by-election
The EC chairperson also urged candidates and political actors to refrain from acts that could disrupt the electoral process, including voter intimidation, violence and the spread of misinformation.
The Electoral Commission (EC) Tuesday convened a stakeholders’ meeting in Kalangala District ahead of the District Woman Member of Parliament by-election scheduled for tomorrow, as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process.
The meeting brought together candidates contesting in the by-election, representatives of political parties, security agencies, local government leaders, members of the media and other key stakeholders to discuss polling day preparations and address issues related to the conduct of the election.
Speaking at the meeting, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi urged all participants to uphold the law and play their respective roles responsibly to guarantee a free and fair election.
Justice Byabakama emphasized the importance of peaceful participation by voters, candidates and their supporters, noting that elections should be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and adherence to electoral guidelines.
“We call upon all stakeholders to work together in promoting peace, respecting the electoral laws and ensuring that the will of the people is expressed freely and fairly,” he said.
The EC chairperson also urged candidates and political actors to refrain from acts that could disrupt the electoral process, including voter intimidation, violence and the spread of misinformation.
Security agencies briefed stakeholders on the measures that have been put in place to maintain law and order throughout the polling exercise, while electoral officials outlined voting procedures and arrangements for vote counting and declaration of results.
The by-election is expected to fill the vacant District Woman Member of Parliament seat for Kalangala District, with polling set to take place across designated polling stations on Thursday.
The Electoral Commission expressed confidence in the preparedness of election officials and appealed to eligible voters to turn up in large numbers and exercise their constitutional right to vote peacefully.
The stakeholders’ meeting forms part of the Commission’s efforts to strengthen transparency, coordination and public confidence in Uganda’s electoral processes ahead of polling day.
