Come election season, political players and stakeholders have been exhorted by Justice Simon Byabakama, the chairperson of Uganda’s Electoral Commission, to advocate for peace, unity, and tolerance of opposing viewpoints.
Byabakama advised all stakeholders to take aggressive measures to ensure peaceful and credible elections while speaking during the national stakeholders’ workshop on electoral area demarcation and polling station reorganization.
“A credible electoral process is largely a multi-stakeholder responsibility. All stakeholders should therefore take a keen interest in the processes and commit to ensuring an enabling environment that enhances participation at all levels,” Byabakama said.
He urged all parties involved to get their communities informed, involved, and mobilized on their roles in the next elections.
Justice Byabakama emphasized the significance of fostering harmony and peace.
“While interacting with the public regarding electoral matters, you should preach peace, unity, tolerance, respect for divergent views, and acceptance of the outcome or resort to peaceful resolution of emerging electoral-related conflicts through the commission or the courts of law.”
He emphasized that these initiatives are essential to preserving a peaceful electoral process.
Phases of polling station restructuring and delineation were covered in the session, giving stakeholders in-depth knowledge of these crucial tasks.
