KAMPALA, Uganda: The Electoral Commission has issued clear guidelines on the dos and don’ts at polling stations, including a ban on the sale of alcohol within 100 metres of any polling station and a prohibition on wearing political party attire while voting.
Speaking to the media, the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugyenyi, has reminded candidates and voters that campaign activities must end 48 hours before polling day.
“By law, campaign rallies must stop 48 hours before election day. As the Electoral Commission, we expect all candidates to conclude their campaign activities today by 6:00 p.m.,” Justice Byabakama said.
He noted that candidates who already have scheduled radio and television programmes may continue airing them until midnight.
“After midnight, no radio or television programme of a campaign nature or in support of any candidate shall be aired. The conclusion of campaigns affects not only the candidates but also their agents,” he added.
Justice Byabakama further stated that no candidate will be allowed to move around with mobile sound systems playing music or messages promoting their candidature after 6:00 p.m.
However, he clarified that meetings between candidates and their agents for purposes of planning and facilitating polling day activities are not prohibited by law.
Dress Code at Polling Stations
The Electoral Commission Chairperson emphasized that voters must not wear clothing that promotes any political party or candidate when going to vote.
“If you are going to a polling station, you are not permitted to wear any attire bearing messages in support of any candidate, displaying a candidate’s image, party symbols, or party colours. Please avoid such attire,” he said.
He also urged the public to maintain peace on voting day and allow voters to access polling stations without hindrance.
Assistance for Voters with Disabilities
On the issue of voters with disabilities, Justice Byabakama explained that the law allows individuals with physical challenges such as the visually impaired, the elderly, or those unable to mark the ballot on their own to be assisted.
“The law permits such voters to come with a person of their choice for assistance. It does not allow roadside volunteers. A visually impaired person may even be assisted by a child or grandchild below 18 years. That is allowed,” he explained.
However, he stressed that a person assisting a voter is only permitted to assist one individual.
Ban on Alcohol Sales Near Polling Stations
Justice Byabakama reiterated the ban on the sale of alcohol within 100 metres of polling stations on election day.
“You shall not sell any liquor within 100 metres of a polling station. Please close your bar for that day. You will not lose much by not operating for one day,” he said.
He warned that alcohol consumption near polling stations could lead to disorder and disrupt the voting process.
“If bars near polling stations remain open, people may start drinking, become disruptive, and invade polling stations. We must ensure that this does not happen,” he added.
Clarification on Invalid Votes
The Electoral Commission Chairperson also addressed the issue of invalid votes, noting that in previous elections, invalid ballots have ranked among the highest vote counts, which he described as unfortunate.
He clarified that a ballot should not be declared invalid simply because the tick or thumbprint is not placed inside the designated box.
“The law is clear. A vote shall not be invalidated merely because the mark is placed on the photograph, symbol, or name of the candidate, instead of the box. As long as the intention of the voter is clear, the vote is valid,” he explained.
However, he noted that a ballot becomes invalid if the mark crosses into two candidates’ boxes, making the voter’s intention unclear.
Justice Byabakama emphasized that only two voting marks are legally recognized: a tick or a thumbprint.
“Writing ‘yes,’ placing crosses, or marking multiple candidates is not allowed. Just make one tick or one thumbprint for your chosen candidate,” he advised.
Voter Identification and Polling Day Procedure
He appealed to voters who have not yet collected their voter location slips to do so, to avoid confusion on polling day.
Voters may also present a national ID whether expired or not or simply identify themselves to the presiding officer if they are registered at the polling station.
“Once your name is confirmed in the register, you will be verified using the biometric system, either by fingerprint or facial recognition, before being issued a ballot paper,” he said.
Justice Byabakama concluded by urging all voters to follow the guidelines to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election.
