By Spy Uganda
Yesterday Electoral Commission (EC) held a successful stakeholders’ meeting for the by-election of a Member of Parliament for Omoro County, Omoro District, and the filling of the District Woman Councillor representing Lalogi/Lakwaya in Omoro District.
The vacancy for a directly-elected Member of Parliament, Omoro County was a result of the untimely death of the former Member of Parliament, who also served at the national level as the Speaker of Parliament, the late Rt. Hon. Jacob L’Okori Oulanyah.
The period for (public) inspection of candidates' nomination papers and lodging of official complaints, if any will be from 14th May to 19th May, 2022.
The campaign period will be from 16h May to 24th May, 2022.#OmoroByElection #UGByElections2022 2/2
— Electoral Commission- Uganda (@UgandaEC) April 11, 2022
In yesterday’s meeting, the EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon noted that Commission received the notice of the vacant position for Omoro County Member of Parliament on 28th March 2022, and reminded participants that the statutory deadline for holding the by-election is Saturday 28th May 2022.
READ ALSO: EC Releases Electoral Program For Omoro County Parliamentary By-Election
”As required by law, the statutory deadline for conducting a Parliamentary by-election is sixty (60) days after notification from the Clerk to Parliament on the occurrence of the vacancy,” said Byabakama.
He said the successful filling of the vacancy for Omoro County MP will depend on stakeholders’ partnership, positive/unbiased mobilization & sensitization of the electorate to observe law and order through the entire electoral process.
The period for (public) inspection of candidates’ nomination papers and lodging of official complaints, if any will be from 14th May to 19th May 2022. The campaign period will be from 16h May to 24th May 2022 and elections will be held on 26th May 2022.
The Electoral Commission has approved the programme for the by-election of Member of Parliament for Omoro County, Omoro District, and the filling of the District Woman Councillor representing Lalogi/Lakwaya in Omoro District.#UGByElections2022#ElectoralCommissionNews pic.twitter.com/uxHRPlsKbN
— Electoral Commission- Uganda (@UgandaEC) April 9, 2022
”Adherence to the electoral laws and guidelines by all stakeholders during the entire electoral process is very crucial. Where one is not sure, please contact the EC through the Returning Officer, Mr. Kagona Moses,” said Byabakama.
The EC Deputy Chairperson, Hajjat Aisha Lubega emphasized that the purpose of the stakeholders’ consultative meeting is to discuss strategies to ensure smooth, peaceful and participatory electoral processes in Omoro County.
READ ALSO: EC Sets Date For Election Of Omoro County MP To Replace Fallen Speaker Jacob Oulanyah
TheSpy Uganda has since learnt that EC will use a couple of strategies to ensure transparent, participatory, and peaceful electoral exercise.
Commissioner Sebaggala Mustapha Kigozi attributes the success of the forthcoming Omoro County by-election to the partnership, positive mobilisation & sensitisation of the electorate to observe Law & Order & peaceful participation in the entire electoral process.#OmoroByElection pic.twitter.com/QucA1jNx0j
— Electoral Commission- Uganda (@UgandaEC) April 11, 2022
Among the strategies to be used by EC for transparent elections inlude; Routine consultative meetings with the stakeholders and prospective candidates, use of traditional & new media to publicize the by-election program & disseminate voter education content throughout the Constituency, banning of fundraising activities during the electoral period among several others.
