EC further extends National Voters’ Register update period

The Electoral Commission once again has extended the period of the general update of National Voters’ Register for purposes of the 2021 General Elections.

The exercise commenced on Thursday 21st November 2019 and was scheduled to close on Wednesday 11th December 2019. However, this was extended to November 16 before the latest extension up til December 23.

In the document seen by watchdoguganda.com dated 16th December 2019, the EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon said that towards the closure of the update exercise, the Commission observed big numbers of applicants at the update centres across the country and also received requests for the extension from various stakeholders in the electoral process.

“Arising out of this, the Electoral Commission found it necessary to extend the update period from Wednesday 11th December 2019, for five (5) more days, starting from Thursday 12th December 2019 and ending today Monday 16th December 2019.

However, before the end of this extended period, the Electoral Commission once again received several requests from numerous stakeholders in the electoral process, and recommendations from our field staff for a further extension of the period for the General Update of the National Voters Register,” said Byabakama.

According to EC, there are many various reasons they depended on to further extend the deadline date such as:

The unfavourable weather conditions in many parts of the country, high turn up of applicants at update stations.

Accordingly, the Commission this is the last opportunity after which, there will be no further extension.

“This exercise will continue to be conducted at update stations in each parish throughout Uganda, starting from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, throughout the extended period, including weekends.

Please note that the purpose of this extension is to provide an opportunity for eligible persons who have not yet registered to do so,” he said.

Meanwhile, the EC has cautioned the public to critically observe that:

This is not a fresh registration of voters but an exercise to enable Ugandan citizens who have attained the age of 18 years and above and who have not yet registered to register as voters to participate in elections.

A registered voter who wishes to transfer to new voting locations shall be able to do so during this period.

“Please note that for such a voter who wishes to transfer to a new voting location must present confirmation that he/she originates from or is, at the time of application for transfer, a resident of the Parish of that (new) voting location. Such applicants should ensure they have details of their previous voting location,” said Byabakama

Thirdly, the Electoral Commission has availed the National Voters’ Register for each polling station at the Update centre in each parish, so that existing voters check and confirm their registration status, that is, whether their particulars are well-captured.

“The Electoral Commission urges all eligible persons who are not yet registered as voters, and those who wish to apply for transfer of voting location, to use this very last opportunity, and do so, to participate in the General Elections,” he said.