The Electoral Commission has issued a statement in which it gives new guidelines to manage the hotly contested Omoro by-elections. It also confirms the official period for campaigns for all the contestants for the by-election including the Omoro County Member of Parliament and District Women Councilor representing Lalogi/Lakwaya electoral area.
According to a letter dated 16th May, 2022, the Chairperson of the Uganda Electoral Commission Justice Simon Byabakama says campaign meetings will commence from May 16, 2022 to May 24, 2022 starting at 7:00am and ending at 6:00pm on each of the campaign dates.
Byabakama further emphasizes that during this period, candidates shall not use or publish any language or defamatory words, which incite disorder, hatred, violence or which threaten war and their agents and the public should adhere to the harmonized programme and set rules and regulations guiding the campaign period.
Also May 26, 2022 is the designated polling day and that voting shall be by universal adult suffrage, and shall only take place at polling stations in Omoro County Constituency, beginning at 7:00am till 4:00pm and there after the counting of votes and declaration of results shall take place. Political parties and independent candidates have been encouraged to station their agents at polling stations throughout the Constituency. “Other than observing the exercise, candidates’ agents shall not be expected to interfere with the polling process. All persons participating in the above electoral exercise shall be required to comply with guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission in accordance with the Government of Uganda and Ministry of Health measures against the spread of Covid-19. This includes observing social distancing and wearing masks,” Justice Byabakama said.
Six (6) candidates were nominated to contest for the seat of Directly-elected Member of Parliament, namely; Onen Jimmy Walter (IND), Odonga Terence (IND), Tolit Simon Akecha (NUP), Kizza Oscar (ANT), Ojok Andrew Oulanyah (NRM) and Odong Justine (FDC).
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