The chairperson of the electoral commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, has banned all mass rallies ahead of the anticipated 2021 general elections. Byabakama said the move is in line with president Museveni’s directives peddled at curbing the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking at the release of a new electoral roadmap, Mr Byabakama revealed that the campaigns will instead be conducted mainly through the media.
“We are going to engage the Media Council, Uganda communication commission (UCC), and the Ministry of information communication and technology (ICT) to make sure the mode of media campaigning is actualized,” he said at the commission headquarters.
He said the Commission will issue specific guidelines for each electoral activity under the revised roadmap in due course and will engage with various stakeholders on the same.
According to the roadmap, Political Parties identify their flag bearers between 22nd of June 21st of July 2020. The nomination of those who want to stand for Member of Parliament seats will take place from 12th to 13th of October.
The nomination of Presidential candidates will take place from 2nd to 3rd of November.
He said the deadline for resignation of public servants aspiring to contest for Parliamentary elections is 12th July 2020 and the polling period for all general elections will be from 10th Jan to 8th February. The exact polling date will be announced after nominations
“The idea of having many voters at once will not be allowed. We shall be issuing guidelines along the way. The idea of postponing elections is not for the EC to determine.”
