The Electoral Commission has launched a revised roadmap for the 2021 general elections following the interruptions in the initial roadmap due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the launch in Kampala on Tuesday, EC Chairperson Justice Byabakama presented to Ugandans a ‘scientific electoral program’ that prescribes online registration, virtual campaigns and several other events to fall in line with the SOPs and guidelines in the fight against coronavirus.
Speaking during the launch, Byabakama noted that in preparation for the 2021 elections, the Commission has lost three months of critical Roadmap as a result of the effects brought by the corona virus pandemic.
According to the roadmap, the Electoral Commission will avail nomination forms on its website that can be printed by those with access to the internet. However, for those with no access to internet, hard copies will be
availed. Important to note is that we will only allow an aspiring candidate with only two (2)
people; the nominator and a seconder.
Mass rallies will not be allowed but campaigns will be conducted mainly through media. The Commission will issue specific guidelines for each electoral activity under this revised Roadmap in due course and will engage with various stakeholders on the same. This includes detailed information on specific requirements for nomination as a candidate, access to nomination forms, nomination fees and venues and conduct of campaigns and
polling process.
Byabakama said, the Commission in consultation with the Ministry of Health have considered and adopted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to facilitate safe participation by all stakeholders in the electoral process and advised political parties and aspiring independent candidates to ensure safe practices during primaries and other preparatory activities.
He said the revised roadmap considered the need to preserve the health of citizens vis a vis their constitutional democratic rifgt to elect leaders of their choice as guaranteed under the constitution.
Byabakama regretted the inconveniences the postponement caused to stakeholders including political parties and organisations, which were preparing internal primaries to identify persons to contest as candidates at various
elective levels, as well as individuals who are aspiring to contest as independent candidates
at various levels.
He however said it was inevitable being mindful of the need to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all stakeholders in the electoral process.
REVISED ROADMAP FOR GENERAL ELECTIONS IN 2021
1. Political Party and Organisations to identify flag bearers 22nd June – 21st July 2020.
2. Deadline for resignation by public servants wishing to participate
in Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Committees Elections; 29th June 2020.
3. Nomination of Village SIGs (Older Persons, Persons with Disability and Youth); 5th August 2020
4. Deadline for establishment of academic papers with Electoral Commission by aspiring candidates for Local Government; 7th July 2020.
5. Deadline for establishment of academic papers with Electoral Commission by aspiring candidates for Parliamentary Elections; 11th August 2020.
6. Deadline for establishment of academic papers with Electoral Commission by aspiring candidates for Presidential Elections; 1st September 2020.
7. Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for
Parliamentary Elections; 12th July 2020
8. Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for Local Government Councils Elections -6th August 2020.
9. Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for SIG Representative to Parliament -7th August 2020.
10. Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for Presidential Elections -31st October 2020
11. Period for nomination of candidates for Local Governments, including SIGs – 7th to 17th September 2020.
12. Nomination of Candidates for Parliamentary Elections; 12th – 13th October 2020
13. Nomination of Candidates for Presidential Elections; 2nd- 3rd November 2020.
14. Harmonization of Campaign Programme and Signing of Memorandum; 4th – 9th November 2020.
15. Conduct of candidates’ campaigns digitally for Local Government; 28th September 2020 – 8th January 2021
16. Conduct of candidates’ campaigns digitally for Parliamentary
Elections; 20th October 2020 – 8th January 2021.
17. Conduct of candidates’ campaigns digitally for Presidential
Elections; 10th November 2020 – 8th January 2021.
18. Polling period for General Elections (exact polling dates to be appointed in due course)
10th January – 8th February 2021.