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Chairpersons

Low Voter Turnout Characterizes NRM Party Primaries

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Low voter turnout marred the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries for district chairpersons and municipal mayors across the country. The elections, characterized by claims of voter rigging and irregularities, witnessed low turnout despite efforts by party officials to mobilize voters. In some areas, police were deployed to maintain order, while in others, chaos erupted due to allegations of voter bribery and favoritism by police and party officials.

Key Takeaways:

  • Four NRM officials, including Vice Chairperson Ms Alice Watasa and her husband Mr Charles Watasa, were arrested in Mbale City for allegedly filling in figures for their favorite candidates on declaration forms.
  • In Lango Sub-region, NRM Parish Supervisor Mr Dray Okello was arrested for allegedly possessing 95 posters and 71 appointment letters of one candidate for the mayoral flag.
  • Low voter turnout was reported in several districts, including Mbale, Lira, Tororo, and Kasese, where voters stayed away in large numbers.
  • In Kasese District, five candidates were nominated for the district chairperson seat, but the turnout was low, with only a few voters showing up at polling stations.
  • In some areas, police deployed to maintain order, while in others, chaos erupted due to allegations of voter bribery and favoritism by police and party officials.
  • The low turnout was attributed to various factors, including voter fatigue, disappointment with the recent parliamentary NRM party primaries, and fear among the electorate.
  • Some aspirants emerged unopposed, while in others, candidates withdrew from the race, paving the way for their opponents.

Statistics:

  • In Mbale City, out of 229 registered voters in South Central West Village, only 29 turned up to vote.
  • In Lira City, several polling stations were still empty by midday yesterday, suggesting a low turnout of voters.
  • In Kasese District, there were five candidates nominated for the district chairperson seat, but the turnout was low, with only a few voters showing up at polling stations.
  • In Kabale District, out of 348 registered voters at one polling station, only 182 participated in the exercise for electing the LCV chairperson flag bearer.
  • Out of 803 registered voters at another polling station in Kabale Municipality, only 108 voters participated in the exercise.

Sources:

  • Monitor
  • Owiny Sigoma Secondary School
  • Galaxy
  • Daily Monitor

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