KAMPALA
The Electoral Commission (EC) chairman, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, has said the commission will announce as president whoever Ugandans elect, insisting that the body is independent and not under pressure from the ruling government.
Byabakama was responding to questions from journalists on the EC’s readiness to declare the rightful winner of the presidential election and the alleged compromised independence of the commission.
“The law mandates the Electoral Commission to announce the candidate who obtains the highest number of valid votes as the duly elected president,” he said, dismissing claims of external interference.
Campaigns for parliamentary and presidential candidates close today at 6:00pm, while radio talk shows featuring candidates end at midnight. Voting will take place on January 15 from 7:00am to 4:00pm. However, voters who are in the queue by 4:00pm will be allowed to cast their ballots.
The EC chairperson warned candidates and their agents against illegal campaigning and voter bribery, noting that such acts contravene electoral laws.
He also urged Ugandans to turn up in large numbers to vote, while cautioning voters against wearing party colours or campaign-related attire on polling day.
“If you are going to the polling station to cast your vote, you are not permitted to wear any attire that bears messages in support of any candidate, a portrait of a candidate, or party colours,” Byabakama warned.
He called for peaceful elections and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible polls.
“We should maintain peace and observe law and order, and allow voters to reach polling stations without intimidation or obstruction,” he said.
Byabakama further clarified that persons with disabilities (PWDs), the elderly and the sick are allowed by law to vote with the assistance of a person of their choice, regardless of age. However, he cautioned assistants against influencing or imposing choices on voters.
“The assistant voter must not make decisions on behalf of the voter,” he stressed.
