The chairperson of Electoral Commission, Justice Byabakama Simon Mugenyi has called on people aspiring for various elective positions in the 2021 general election to refrain from conducting public meetings contrary to the campaign period set out in the electoral Road-map.
In a statement released by EC, Justice Byabakama said some aspirants have gone against electoral procedures and organize campaign meetings and addressed rallies, putting up posters, distributing campaign materials and soliciting for votes contrary to the campaign period set out in the electoral road-map issued by the Commission.
According to Section 3 of the Presidential Elections Act, 2005, provides for aspirants to consult in preparation for nominations. Consultations, however, should be distinguished from campaigns which take the form of distributing materials, campaigns, holding rallies and meetings and canvassing or soliciting for votes envisaged under Sections 21 and 24 of the Presidential Elections Act, 2005.
“At this moment in the electoral calendar, there are no persons nominated as candidates for Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Councils elections. All aspirants are therefore, urged to refrain from engaging in active campaigns for these elective positions.”
Consultative meetings and campaigns can however, take place internally within political parties and organisations, where their internal constitutions provide for such a process to choose the party flag bearers for various elective positions.
“Political parties and organisations are hereby advised to guide their members concerning such internal party electoral calendar, including issuing clear preparation (Road-map) for Party Primary Elections.”
In December last year, Justice Byabakama launched Shs868 billion 2021 electoral road-map that will take place between January 10 and February 8, 2021. The Road-map, campaigns for the various elective positions, as guided by law, commence after the Commission has duly nominated candidates for the respective elective offices.
EC vowed to improve in the electoral process, comprehensive voter education and sensitization to achieve better planning, implementation and activity coordination as well as timely implementation of scheduled electoral activities.
