The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Simon Byabakama, has reaffirmed that the disqualification of ineligible candidates will continue up to polling day, stressing that the process is lawful and evidence-based.
Speaking in his end-of-year message, Justice Byabakama urged voters to follow proper voting procedures by casting their ballots and leaving polling stations, then returning at 4:00 p.m. to witness the vote counting process. He emphasized that this approach helps maintain order and transparency during elections.
Justice Byabakama stated that the independent Electoral Commission is fully prepared for this month’s general elections and will not bow to external pressure or rush decisions despite rising political tensions across the country.
He revealed that the Election Tribunal has so far handled over 300 complaints arising from the nomination process. According to Byabakama, all rulings have been made strictly based on facts and evidence, dismissing claims that the tribunal is targeting specific political parties.
Responding to allegations by the National Unity Platform (NUP) that its candidates are being unfairly targeted, the EC chairperson clarified that petitions are filed by vigilant Ugandans and concerned stakeholders not by the Electoral Commission itself.
As of December 30, at least 12 parliamentary candidates had been disqualified, with NUP recording the highest number of affected candidates. Justice Byabakama maintained that the Commission remains committed to delivering a free, fair, and credible electoral process for all Ugandans.
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