The Electoral Commission (EC) has warned that only people whose names appear on the village voters’ register will be allowed to vote in the village women committee elections scheduled for Thursday, July 23.
The commission said no person will be allowed to cast a ballot unless he or she is duly registered on the village register.
The elections will fill five positions on the village women committee, namely chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, publicity secretary and secretary for finance.
Addressing journalists in Kampala on Wednesday, EC chairperson, Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, said the elections will be conducted in accordance with Section 111(2) of the Local Governments Act, as amended.
He explained that voting will take place in an open public place within each village and will be conducted by voters lining up behind the nominated candidates, their agents, portraits or symbols.
“In accordance with Section 111(2) of the Local Governments Act, polling shall take place in a public or open place within the villages and shall be by lining up behind the nominated candidates or their representatives or their portraits or symbols,” Byabakama said.
He encouraged voters to remain at the polling stations after casting their votes until the counting process is completed.
“I also encourage people to take the responsibility of remaining at the polling stations after voting to observe the process until the results are declared. This is important because it helps voters to be satisfied with the outcome of the election,” he said.
Byabakama urged all women who registered to vote to turn up in large numbers and peacefully elect their leaders.
“By taking part in these grassroots elections, you help strengthen democracy, promote inclusive leadership and contribute to the development of your communities,” he said.
The EC also appealed to voters to remain peaceful throughout the election exercise and avoid any acts of violence.
“It is important for everyone to be law-abiding and follow the electoral laws. If violence disrupts the election process in any village, the Electoral Commission will call off the election in that village and reschedule it,” Byabakama warned.
He revealed that the commission has already received more than 30 complaints from different villages ahead of the elections.
“We have already received more than 30 complaints, but we are working tirelessly to ensure they are handled in a holistic manner,” he said.
