HOIMA – The Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) has said Hoima District Woman MP by-election was well conducted despite reports of voter bribery.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, CCEDU Coordinator Crispin Kaheru said whereas numerous allegations and counter-allegations of voter bribery were reported by both FDC and NRM political parties, the election was administered in accordance with international standards.
“September 26, 2019, Hoima District Woman MP by-election was conducted in compliance with the legal framework of the Republic of Uganda and in line with international obligations. Notwithstanding a few incidents, the by-election was largely conducted in a manner that allowed the people of Hoima district to express their will, freely at the poll,” Mr Kaheru said in a statement.
“Throughout the polling day, CCEDU EOM noted numerous allegations and counter-allegations of voter bribery as well as claims and counterclaims of pre-ticked ballots by both FDC and NRM political parties. “CCEDU was unable to verify the allegations. Whereas there was tension reported in Kabaale Sub County due to arrests of the opposition candidate’s agents, CCEDU EOM noted that polling in that area proceeded without interruption or any major incidents,” he added.
CCEDU said that the counting process at polling stations was transparent, open and in compliance with the electoral procedures and regulations.
CCEDU observed polling day activities in the 266 polling stations, 69 parishes, and 17 Sub Counties that make up Hoima District.
The CCEDU team report hailed the impressive participation of women and youth in the process on Election Day as polling officials, security agents and voters. CCEDU said that in 90% of the polling stations they visited, at least 50% of the polling officials were female.
CCEDU also noted a higher presence of female voters at 85% of the polling stations visited and one Hoima Boma polling station in Kahoora Division, of the 334 registered voters, 179 of these were female.
The report also stated that in at least 60% of the polling stations, priority was given to the aged, pregnant women, voters with infants and persons with disabilities.
The Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) generally functioned well, CCEDU said. “In almost all polling stations visited, the voter verification process was fast and lasted under three (3) minutes for a vote.
