Kampala – The Electoral Commission (EC) is set to commence the demarcation of electoral areas and reorganization of polling stations in preparation for the 2025/2026 General Elections.
Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi disclosed this on Tuesday at a National Stakeholders’ Workshop in Kampala, aiming to ensure credible and transparent elections.
Initially scheduled to begin at the start of July, the demarcation exercise has been delayed and will now commence in August 2024, according to the Electoral Commission’s revised timeline. The EC boss noted that the Commission has revised some timelines due to funding constraints but remains committed to conducting successful elections.
As a result, the Commission is moving forward with the demarcation exercise which will define electoral areas for Local Government Councils, considering factors like communication, geography, and population density. The reorganization of polling stations aims to ensure manageable voter numbers, accessibility, and adequate space.
The Commission appeals to stakeholders to mobilize and sensitize the public on their roles in the electoral process, emphasizing the need for peace, unity, and tolerance.
Byabakama emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder support in delivering free and fair elections. “Elections are a multi-stakeholder responsibility requiring continuous support and co-operation, for the Commission to deliver the same effectively as mandated by the Constitution,” he stated.
The workshop is being attended by ministers, members of parliament, heads of security agencies, representatives of political parties, religious leaders, civil society representatives and electoral commission staff among others.
It will cover key topics, including the legal framework, phases of demarcation and reorganization, and stakeholder perspectives.