The Kabale District Electoral Commission has warned eligible voters against reporting late to polling centers for Tuesday’s Local Council One (LC1) Chairperson and Committee elections, saying those who arrive after voting has commenced risk missing the opportunity to participate.
Kabale District Returning Officer Aisha Nansubuga issued the warning while assuring residents that the district is fully prepared to conduct a peaceful, free and fair election.
Nansubuga said all logistical arrangements had been finalized and a joint security meeting had confirmed the district’s readiness for the exercise.
“The heads of security have assured us that they are 100 percent prepared to support the process and ensure a free, fair and peaceful election,” she said.
She explained that election activities will begin at 7:00 a.m. with voter assembly and verification, followed by voter education and briefing before voting starts at 11:00 a.m. by lining up behind candidates.
Nansubuga urged voters to report early and complete the verification process, warning that late arrivals may not be allowed to vote.
CUE IN NANSUBUGA…ON TIME MANAGEMENT….ENG//
She also clarified that only residents whose names appear in the Village Registers will be eligible to vote, dismissing claims that the National Voters Register would be used during the elections.
According to Nansubuga, the Electoral Commission conducted fresh registration at the village level specifically for the LC1 elections, and only those who registered in their respective villages will be permitted to cast their vote.
CUE IN NANSUBUGA….ON REGISTERS…..ENG//
According to the Electoral Commission’s programme, voter assembly and verification will run from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by voter education and briefing from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Voting will commence at 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by vote counting.
Results are expected to be announced between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., after which the nomination and approval of Village Executive Committees will conclude the electoral exercise.
Meanwhile, Police in Kigezi Sub region have assured residents that adequate security measures are in place to ensure peaceful Local Council I (LC I) elections.
In a statement, the Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Nelson Tumushime, said police, together with other security agencies, are ready to secure Electoral Commission officials and materials, polling stations, candidates, voters, and their agents throughout the exercise.
He said Political and Crime Offences Desks have been activated in every district to handle election-related incidents and warned that anyone who disrupts the polls will face the law.
He urged the public to report any incidents that could interfere with the elections, respect the results, and reject violence, intimidation, and voter bribery to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
CUE IN SP TUMUSHIME…. ON SECURITY…. RR/ENG//
