EC asks presidential aspirants to adhere to health guidelines

Aug 10, 2020

In the process of looking for the signatures, you must follow the health ministry guidelines on social distancing to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

POLITICS | ELECTIONS

The Electoral Commission (EC) has urged presidential aspirants to adhere to the ministry of health guidelines while soliciting for nomination signatures to avoid spreading coronavirus.

The EC on Monday launched yet another important electoral exercise. It allowed Presidential hopefuls to pick nomination forms.

According to EC chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, on the first day, they received nine people who picked nomination forms. 

Out of the nine who collected the papers, Byabakama said only one belonged to a political party the rest are independents.

They include Charles Bbaale of Ecological Party of Uganda (EPU), Daniel Matsiko, Rugaba Christopher, and Fred Mwesigye.

Others are Maj. Joseph Mwambazi, Harold Nuwasiima, Eric Kitsa, John Katumba and Joshua Isingoma Mugisa. However, none of the main political players showed up on the first day.

"They are now free to go and collect the required signatures before the nomination date," Byabakama said.

He however warned; "in the process of looking for the signatures you must follow the health ministry guidelines on social distancing to avoid the spread of coronavirus."

Byabakama urged them and their supporters to wash hands and wear masks while signing on the nomination papers.

The EC boss said the exercise was open ended until the nomination date.

According to the Presidential Elections Act, an aspirant is supposed to be endorsed by at least 100 supporters in two thirds of all the districts before nomination.

For anyone to be eligible for the presidential seat, he or she must be a citizen of Uganda, a registered voter and has at least an A" level certificate or its equivalent.

A person cannot stand for President if he or she is not of sound mind, holds an office that handles elections, or is a cultural leader, or is bankrupt.

According to the 2021 election roadmap, nomination of candidates for presidential elections is scheduled between November 2-3, 2020.

Speaking shortly after picking nomination forms, Bbaale said his party was well prepared to field candidates at different elective positions including the Presidency.

"We are aware that the scientific elections will favor the incumbent but we shall fully participate," he said.

He noted that the party will base its campaign on diversity, human rights, social justice and the creation of national employment agency

Bbaale, who failed to secure nomination from EC during the 2016 polls, as the party Presidential candidate says this time round is well positioned to challenge President Yoweri Museveni.

Bbaale's ejection from the nomination list at Namboole stadium in 2015 led to dramatic scenes that gave him mileage in popularity.

The EC led by Eng.Badru Kiggundu then faulted him of failing to meet requirements as set out for Presidential candidates.

EPU is a member of Eastern Africa Greens Federation, African Greens Federation and the Global Greens.







 

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