By Kampala Post Reporter
The Electoral Commission has extended the voter registration and verification exercise for 2020/2021 general elections, just a day to the earlier deadline of Wednesday December 11, 2019.
The general update exercise started on November 21, 2019 and has been ongoing at the various verification centers across the country.
Electoral Commission chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama told journalists in Kampala on Tuesday that they have decided to extend the deadline to December 16 due to higher numbers of applicants flocking the update centres since the beginning of this week, and requests from key stakeholders in the electoral process.
According to Justice Byabakama, there will be no further extension. “This exercise will continue to be conducted at update stations in each parish throughout Uganda, starting from 8:00am to 6:00pm, 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.
The EC chairperson also warned update officials and some local leaders who are reportedly extorting money from applicants in order to sign on their application forms.
“This is illegal, and the Commission strongly condemns it. The Commission has provided all necessary forms (for application as a voter, or application for transfer) free of charge. The Commission calls on all officials involved in this update exercise to desist from any acts that may frustrate eligible applicants from exercising their constitutional right to apply for registration as voters,” the EC Boss emphasized.