Uganda Electoral Commission contacts in districts returning officers

Uganda electoral Commission online voter register

Roadmap to 2011 Uganda general elections

Press Statement

Wednesday 22 n d September 2010

A. Introduction

Our esteemed partners, members of the press, you are welcome to our weekly press briefing.

Today, the Commission will provide an update on the progress of our preparations for nomination of various categories of candidates for the 2011 General Elections.

B. Issuance of Nomination Forms to Aspiring Candidates

Uganda Electoral Commision Chairman, Eng. Badru Kiggundu

The Electoral Commission wishes to clarify that picking forms marks the first step in the nomination process. The issuance of nomination forms, which commenced on 8^th September, 2010, is free of charge to all persons aspiring to contest as candidates for the various elective positions. Interested persons who have requested for the forms include those who represent registered political parties and organisations as well as those aspiring to stand on independent ticket.

The Commission shall subject nomination papers to thorough scrutiny to ensure compliance with the various requirements of the law and to establish the  authenticity of supporter names, numbers and signatures or thumbprints, appearing on the supporter forms.

Therefore, aspiring candidates should ensure that they comply with the above requirements so that their nomination is successful.

Aspiring Presidential candidates should note the following:

1. The nomination of Presidential candidates shall be conducted 2 5t h and 26t h October 2010, at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, beginning at 10:00am and ending at 4:00pm on each of the appointed dates.

2. Due to the sizeable number of signatures required for nomination as a presidential candidate, the Commission advises aspiring (presidential) candidates to submit the lists of supporters to the Electoral Commission for verification at least two weeks before the nomination dates.

3. The Commission further advises aspiring candidates to book time in advance on any of the gazetted dates (above) in order to ensure a smooth nomination exercise.

4. The nomination paper shall be accompanied by a non refundable fee of Shs.

8,000,000/- (eight million shillings only). Aspiring candidates are advised to make

payments and obtain General Receipt in respect of the payment from the Electoral Commission before nomination day to Stanbic Bank on the following account detail:

Account Title: Electoral Commission Non-Tax Revenue Account

Account No: 0141001072873101

For avoidance of doubt, the details of nomination dates for other

1. Aspiring candidates for Member of Parliament shall be required to pay a nonrefundable nomination fee of Shs. 200,000/- to the respective District Returning Officers and obtain a General Receipt;

2. Aspiring candidates for all Local Government positions shall be required to pay the respective non-refundable nomination fees to their respective District

Administration and obtain a General Receipt;

Further details are outlined in the Guidelines for each category which are available at the Office of the respective District Returning Officer.

C. Clarification on Identifying the Correct ‘Voter Personal Number’

The Electoral Commission has learnt that some registered voters who wish to support individuals aspiring for nomination as candidates at various elective positions, are having a problem filling in their Voter Personal Identification Number, as required on the Supporter Form.

The nomination guidelines specify that a supporter ― who must be a registered voter in the Constituency where the aspirant seeks nomination as a candidate ― shall state (on the Supporter Form) his or her village, occupation and personal voter registration number of eight (8) digits.

However, voters who registered during the recently concluded Update of the National Voters Register are not able to identify the said eight (8) digit personal voter registration number on their registration certificates.

The Commission advises new voters who wish to support the nomination of a candidate to use their 15-digit Application Identity Number (App Id No.) which is located above the applicant’s (voter) surname on the Registration Certificate.

Voters who were registered under the old system can use the eight-digit-personal number which is on their registration certificates and/or Voters’ Cards.

As stated above, the Commission shall subject nomination papers to thorough scrutiny to establish the authenticity of supporter names, numbers and signatures or thumbprints, to ensure compliance with the electoral laws.

Funding for accredited Election Observers

For purposes of transparency, the Electoral Commission has started the process of accrediting international and national observers to observe the various activities that are being undertaken under the Roadmap for the 2011 General Elections.

Accredited observers, who include, individuals, civil society organisations, political parties and organisations, institutions and the media, shall be provided with written clearance, relevant information and identification tags for the purpose of observing the various activities of the electoral process.

The Commission, however, shall not fund such accredited observers, and eachapplicant shall be required to meet all their upkeep expenses.

Conclusion

The Commission calls upon the people of Uganda to play their rightful role in ensuring asuccessful nomination exercise.

I thank you,

For God and my Country,

Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu

Chairperson/Electoral Commission

Also see

Uganda electoral Commission online voter register

Uganda Electoral Commission contacts in districts returning officers

Roadmap to 2011 Uganda general elections

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