By KT Reporter
As the days for polling draw near, the Electoral Commission in Kumi and the police in South Kyoga are conducting patrols to ensure the security of the region and to track politicians who are not adhering to the electoral laws. This vigilance is part of a broader strategy aimed at maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, which is essential for a healthy democracy. The warning comes after various candidates have violated the electoral commission guidelines.
Instances of misconduct have surfaced, raising concerns about the potential manipulation of the electoral process. Some candidates have resorted to night campaigns, disturbing the peace with loud political music at night, which not only violates the stipulated campaign hours but also disrupts the daily lives of the citizens.
Stephen Mukombe, the South Kyoga regional police spokesperson, says they are set to arrest politicians who are deviating from the set guidelines established by the Electoral Commission. “As polls near, candidates use various ways to win the hearts of the voters through the use of money and violating various laws, a reason our eyes are on the ground,” Mukombe revealed.
He says that the police are committed to upholding the law, stressing the importance of an election free from corruption and malpractice.
He noted that any politician found campaigning after the gazetted time, as well as those giving out money and other petty items to bribe voters, will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The police are keen on maintaining order and ensuring that the election process reflects the true will of the people . Mukombe calls upon the general public to report any instances of violations of electoral laws to the police for immediate action. This collaborative approach emphasizes the role of community vigilance in safeguarding democracy. Citizens are encouraged to be active participants in the electoral process, not only by casting their votes but also by holding candidates accountable for their actions.
Jensen Okello, the Kumi District Electoral Commission Returning Officer, has challenged politicians to refrain from acts that divert voters from electing candidates of their choice.
He notes that politicians often resort to bribery, undermining the electoral processes that are in place to ensure fair competition.
Okello has pledged to deal with those violating the electoral guidelines, reinforcing the commission’s commitment to enforcing reforms that enhance transparency and fairness in elections.
In light of recent electoral commission reforms aimed at tightening regulations and improving the electoral process, there is a renewed emphasis on ethical campaigning. These reforms are designed to create a level playing field for all candidates and to protect the rights of voters to make informed choices without undue influence or coercion.
Simon Peter Omalinga, the candidate for the Kumi municipality MP seat under the Democratic Party ticket, expressed his concern over the rampant violations of electoral laws.
He is pleased that the police are implementing countermeasures to curb these activities. “Recently, at a burial, a politician arrived and told people to line up; money was given to them in front of everyone,” Omalinga narrates.
Such blatant acts of bribery highlight the urgent need for strict enforcement of electoral laws.
He has called upon the Electoral Commission nationwide and the police to arrest candidates violating the rules and guidelines of elections, advocating for their elimination from the race. “You are an incumbent candidate, but you are also giving out money to electorates and petty items to bribe voters. If you know you did something good for them, why are you spoiling their minds?” Omalinga states, urging all politicians to respect the democratic process.
The overarching message from both the police and the Electoral Commission is clear: politicians must allow voters to exercise their constitutional rights without interference. The integrity of the electoral process is paramount, and all stakeholders must work collaboratively to ensure that elections are conducted fairly and transparently, reflecting the true will of the people.
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