EC pushes nomination deadline to next month

The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a fresh road map to the 2016 national elections, postponing the presidential nominations to November.

Speaking to the press on Friday,  EC chairman Eng Badru Kigundu noted that the dates for nominating presidential candidates has been pushed from October 5, 6 to November 3 and 4.

Mr Kiggundu however observed that the submission of nomination forms will continue until October 23.

“Nomination fees of presidential candidates have also been revised from shs 8million to shs 20million. Candidates are therefore advised to pay balance before nomination day,” Mr Kiggundu said.

When asked whether the extension was as a result of pressure from government, Mr Kiggundu said, “The decision to extend presidential nomination dates is our (EC) decision. No one dictates to us.”

Mr Kiggundu also communicated several changes which included the review in polling time; from 5pm to 4pm, but did not commit on the polling date, saying that it will be communicated in due course. Campaigns for presidential candidates have been set from November 9 2015 to February 10 2016.

“We shall have beautiful, safe, free and fair elections if all stakeholders work together. It is only Uganda Police in charge of security during the electoral process, and not illegal militia or vigilantes,” Mr Kiggundu reiterated.