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The Electoral Commission has announced plans to reduce the distances voters travel to reach polling stations in Karamoja following concerns raised during a post-election evaluation exercise.
The commitment was made during a regional post-election evaluation workshop held at Leslona Hotel in Moroto, which brought together Resident District Commissioners, security agencies, District Returning Officers, candidates, civil society organisations and district leaders from the nine districts of the Karamoja Sub-region.
Speaking during the meeting, Electoral Commission Commissioner for Karamoja and Northern Uganda James Peter Emoru acknowledged that the region’s vast terrain has made access to polling stations challenging for many voters.
“One of the things I realised is the issue of distances because of the terrain of Karamoja. Some people had longer distances to walk to go and cast their votes. We are going to look for centralised places so that everybody can approach,” Emoru said.
He said the Commission would explore ways of establishing more accessible polling locations to ensure that geographical challenges do not prevent eligible voters from participating in elections.
Emoru also addressed concerns over voter intimidation during the electoral process, warning politicians against actions that undermine citizens’ freedom to exercise their democratic rights.
“There was intimidation by some politicians. We are going to emphasise that this should not continue,” he said.
The commissioner further praised the performance of the Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK), saying the technology had improved confidence in the electoral process by reducing cases of malpractice.
“On BVVK, we have made a lot of improvement. The population are happy with it. It has reduced multi-ballot stuffing. Technology is the way to go,” he added.
Emoru also cautioned LC I chairpersons against charging money for the use of official nomination stamps, reminding local leaders that such practices are illegal.
The Electoral Commission said recommendations collected from 12 regional post-election evaluation workshops across the country will be submitted to the Commission Secretariat for consideration and implementation ahead of future elections.
The Moroto workshop was organised by Regional Electoral Officer Linos Okori and attracted representatives from the Uganda Police Force, Uganda People’s Defence Forces, civil society organisations, district local governments and other stakeholders from across Karamoja.
Participants expressed hope that the proposed reforms will improve voter access, strengthen electoral integrity and promote peaceful, transparent and inclusive elections in the region.
, https://nilepost.co.ug/news/357367/electoral-commission-moves-to-reduce-long-walking-distances-for-karamoja-voters
