NRM primaries: Chaos at tally centres delays Tororo results
This disruption began when former MP for Tororo North, Annet Nyaketcho, entered the tallying room carrying a stack of declaration forms, attempting to verify the authenticity of the forms already being processed by the registrars.
Former MP Annet Nyaketcho at the tallying table. (Photo by George Ofwono)
By George Ofwono
Journalists @New Vision
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Chaos erupted at the Tororo District Council Chambers, the NRM tallying centre for Tororo County South and North parliamentary elections, after a disputed attempt to introduce additional declaration forms sparked a heated confrontation between rival candidates' supporters.
The incident brought tallying to a complete standstill, leaving the announcement of results for the two constituencies indefinitely delayed.
This disruption began when former MP for Tororo North, Annet Nyaketcho, entered the tallying room carrying a stack of declaration forms, attempting to verify the authenticity of the forms already being processed by the registrars.
However, this action immediately ignited a furious response from supporters of other candidates, who blocked her access to the tallying table.
Simon Nicholas Owino's team quickly intervened, urging Nyaketcho to keep her forms and follow the established tallying process, advising that any complaints should be raised formally after the completion of the count.
NRM women parliamentary candidates at the youth centre hall. (Photo by George Ofwono)
The situation, however, escalated rapidly, threatening to boil over into physical violence.
This was until the intervention of Rodgers Mulindwa, the NRM spokesperson overseeing elections in the Bukedi sub-region, to de-escalate the tension.
"My fellow NRM members, I implore you to remain calm. This is a democratic process, and while passions may run high, violence is never the answer. Let us allow the process to unfold according to the established rules. We are committed to a fair and transparent outcome, and any grievances can be addressed through the proper channels." Mulindwa pleaded with his voice rising.
Despite Mulindwa's intervention, the atmosphere remained charged.
No parliamentary candidates for either Tororo County South or North had been declared at the time of reporting.
The situation at the Tororo Youth Centre, where the woman MP tallying is taking place, mirrored the chaos at the District Council Chambers.
Here, all contenders converged on the tallying table, levelling accusations of electoral manipulation and bringing the process to a standstill.