By Editorial,
The Electoral Commission (EC) and the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda have disagreed over a directive requiring voters to leave polling stations immediately after casting their ballots.
During a meeting attended by the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, accompanied by the Director of Operations Services, Frank Mwesigwa, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama failed to convince Inter Religious Council of Uganda leaders why voters should be compelled to leave polling stations after voting.
IRCU leaders, including Church of Uganda Archbishop Dr Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Pastor Joseph Sserwadda, Pastor Joshua Lwere, and Mufti Shaban Mubaje, questioned why the EC was issuing a directive they say contradicts the law, which allows voters to remain at least 20 metres away from polling stations.
In response, Justice Byabakama argued that enforcing the 20-metre rule could lead to unnecessary congestion around polling stations.
He said voters would be allowed to return later to witness the counting of votes but should not remain at polling stations throughout the day. By the end of the meeting, the clergy said they were not convinced by the Electrol Commissions explanation. END