EC Warns Presidential Candidates Against Holding Processions, Mass Rallies

The Electoral Commission has warned candidates in the 2021 general elections against flouting Covid-19 guidelines after observing that they were holding campaign rallies in a manner that exposes the electorate to the respiratory illness.

Campaign meetings for presidential, parliamentary and local government council elections commenced on November 9 across the country.

But as the campaigns carry on, some candidates have started pulling large numbers to their rallies yet the rules stipulate that political meetings should not exceed 200 persons.

“Some candidates are conducting processions along public roads, through towns and trading centers, and are also holding rallies in non-designated venues as per the harmonized campaign program,” the Commission said in a statement late Wednesday.

“This is in violation of the Commission’s Guidelines that the campaigns should be conducted in observance of Standard Operating Procedures (social distancing, hand washing, and wearing of masks) and in designated places.”

As a result the Commission has said that the law enforcement agencies are ready to punish those who will break the laws.

“We warn all candidates contesting for various elective positions under the General Elections 2021, and all other stakeholders in the electoral process to conduct themselves in accordance with the Guidelines for the campaigns and strictly observe measures issued by the Commission,” said the Commission.

“Non-compliance with the Guidelines issued for the campaign period will necessitate intervention by law enforcing agencies, among other measures.”

Presidential candidates will campaign up to January 12, 2021 and voting will be on January 14.

For local government councils and parliament, elections will commence on January 1, 2021, beginning with the election of councilors for Older Persons to the sub-county/town/municipal/division and end on Feb. 3 with the election of sub-county/town/municipal/division chairpersons and councilors.

According to data provided by the ministry of health, Uganda so far registered 14993 cases of Covid-19, 139 deaths and 7939 recoveries.