Rukungiri: The chairperson for Electoral commission Justice Simon Byabakama has revealed that two people have withdrawn their candidature as political temperature raised in Rukungiri by-election slated for 31st may 2017.
According to statement released by Justice Byabakama, the commission registered six candidates however two have withdrawn citing financial implications.
“I wish to inform all stakeholders that on 21st May 2018 and 29th May 2018, respectively, candidates Atukunda Stella (Independent) and Rwakitonera Elizabeth (Independent) officially wrote to the Electoral Commission, informing us about the withdrawal of candidature for the District Woman Representative to Parliament for Rukungiri,” he said in a statement release in this evening.
The remaining candidates include: Bamukwatsa Betty Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Kukundakwe Fabith People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Matsiko Winfred Komuhangi National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Sezi Prisca Bessy Mbaguta Independent.
He noted that the Commission has issued a notice of withdrawal and it will be posted at all the two hundred and eighty (280) polling stations in Rukungiri District, notifying the electorate not to cast their votes for candidates who have withdrawn from the race.
Justice Byabakama warned the general public that whoever votes for any of the two candidates, who have withdrawn from the race, will have rendered his or her vote invalid.
He asked candidates, supporters and police to observe peace and law as the clock ticks towards polling day, “Polling shall be by universal adult suffrage starting at 7:00am and ending at 4:00pm and thereafter, counting of votes and announcing of results by the respective Presiding Officer shall take place,” he added.
Further said the commission has established complaints desk for any a query desk and toll free numbers for transparency of the election process.
“I call upon the voters to come out early and freely cast their vote because everything is ready, let us all work together to achieve a credible exercise,” he concluded.
