By KT Reporter
Police and other security agencies have assured residents of peace and safety ahead of the forthcoming Local Council elections, calling on voters to overcome fear and turn up in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights.
The assurance comes amid lingering concerns following the recent presidential elections, which were reportedly characterised by intimidation and threats in parts of the Sebei and Sipi sub-regions, leading to low voter turnout.
Fred Mark Chesang , the police spokesperson Sipi, reveals that more than 15 suspects were arrested in the Sebei sub-region alone for allegedly attempting to disrupt the electoral process during the presidential polls.
He noted that lessons drawn from those incidents have strengthened preparations for the Local Council elections, which they describe as more sensitive because they directly affect community leadership and local jurisdictions.
According to Chesang, police and sister security agencies are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
“Our security intelligence and tactics do not change. We shall handle the situation professionally, and the community should not be scared,” Chesang said.
Civil society organisations observing the electoral process say insecurity significantly affected voter turnout in Sebei during the last elections. The observers note that many residents avoided polling stations due to fear, with women being disproportionately affected.
Festo Majinjach the Programmes Manager of the Sebei Transformation Initiative (STI), and Organisistion that champion the protection of Women rights, says fear and insecurity continue to limit women’s participation in elections despite their willingness to vote.
“Women want to participate in the electoral process, but fear of violence and intimidation keeps many of them away from polling stations. When women feel unsafe, their voices are completely silenced,” Majin said.
According to Majinjach, one resident narrated that her neighbour, who had intended to vote, was discouraged after receiving a phone call from a friend warning her about possible violence, prompting her to stay away from polling.
Madina Cherotich, a resident of Sosho Cell in Central Division, Kapchorwa District, said tensions among supporters of different camps created fear in the community even before polling day because of intimidation and propaganda circulating.
“These days, it is hard to predict who will go and cast a vote due a lot of different various information heard and it’s threatening,” Cherotich said.
Charles Mwanga, the LC1 Chairperson of London Bridge Cell in Central Division, said voter turnout at polling stations remains unpredictable.
He observed that although many people attend campaign rallies, the numbers significantly reduce on polling day.Mwanga urged residents to ignore intimidation and actively participate in the electoral process.
“I ask the community to exercise their right to vote. Especially women should go early to polling stations because they are more vulnerable,” Mwanga said.
Security agencies, civil society organisations, and local leaders continue to call for calm, urging residents to participate peacefully in the Local Council elections.
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