The Electoral Commission (EC) today officially launched the first phase of nominations for structure elections within Special Interest Groups (SIGs) including the Youths, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the Elderly, at the village level. This marks a crucial step in the implementation of the EC’s comprehensive electoral roadmap.
Speaking at the commencement of the exercise, Julius Mucunguzi, the Electoral Commission’s spokesperson, confirmed the start of nominations.
“Today, the 2nd of June 2025, the Electoral Commission kicks off the first set of nominations as part of the implementation of the 2025-2026 general elections roadmap by kick-starting nominations for those who wish to participate as candidates in the Special Interest Group elections starting from the village level,” Mucunguzi stated.
He elaborated on the structure of these elections, explaining that the SIG elections are designed to begin at the grassroots village level and progress sequentially upwards to the national level. This layered approach ensures representation from the most fundamental community units.
Mucunguzi particularly stressed the critical importance of participation from youth, persons with disability, and older persons. “We wish to call upon the youth to make sure that you take this matter seriously because this is an important level of representation that the constitution provided and provides for your special needs, your special characteristics, your special unique attributes that get represented at all levels,” he urged.
He extended a similar call to Persons With Disabilities and Older persons, emphasising that active involvement in the nomination process is the foundational step towards broader representation. “Anybody that wishes to be among all to be a member of the Electoral College that ultimately elects members of parliament that represent these three categories… must begin by being a member in the village Council, being a member of the committee from the village and cascade upwards to the national level,” Mucunguzi clarified.
To ensure eligibility for participation, the EC spokesperson reminded all prospective candidates and voters of a fundamental requirement: registration on the national voters’ register. He concluded by encouraging all eligible citizens to engage actively in the electoral process, reinforcing the adage, “make sure that your vote is your voice.”
The nomination process for SIGs is expected to continue across various villages, paving the way for the subsequent stages of the 2025-2026 general elections.
