The Electoral Commission has announced January 14, 2021, as the election date for Members of Parliament throughout the country.
This follows the conclusion of nominations for local government councils and parliamentary candidates.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, EC chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama announced that campaigns for Mpsand district woman
Representatives commence on November 9th and will proceed for 2 months up to the 12th of January 2021 a day before the elections take place.
Byabakama has also announced that the campaign period for all other elective positions including City/district Local councils, lord mayors, mayors councilors, Municipality/city division chairpersons and councilors, Subcounty /Town/Municipal division chairpersons and councilors equally commence on 9th November but conclude on different dates between January and Feb 3, 2021.
He adds that these campaigns are expected to end 24 hours before the actual voting, according to a roadmap released by EC.
Byabakama used today’s press briefing to appeal to candidates to follow the laws and regulation regarding the spread of coronavirus
Byabakama says candidates will, however, be allowed to hold campaign meetings, in a regulated manner, preferably outdoors, with limited attendance of a maximum of 70 persons, to enable the observance of the two-meter social distancing rule for the persons attending the meeting,”
“Candidates are advised to identify suitable venues within their constituencies and notify the respective Returning Officers, who will conduct an inspection together with the Police and the District COVID-19 Taskforce to ensure the venue will enable observance of the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health , he added.
January 14 is also expected to be the date for the election of the president, as they normally happen on the same day. However, the commission made no pronouncement on this.
Byabakama said that they can’t announce the date for presidential elections now because the law only permits them to do so after nominations are complete.
The Commission is expected to nominate presidential candidates on November 2 and November 3.
The dates have been announced two days after parliament questioned delays by the Electoral Commission to announce election and campaign dates, even after nominating candidates across the country.
