UGANDA’S ELECTORAL COMMISSION ANNOUNCES ELECTION DATES
(Posted 05th November 2015)
Following the formal nomination of candidates for the office of President of the Republic of Uganda, incumbent Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was as expected nominated by the Electoral Commission as flagbearer of the ruling NRM, did the EC also announce the 18th of February 2016 as the date when the country’s general election will be held.
A total of eight candidates passed all the criteria set by the Electoral Commission to be cleared as a candidate for the presidential race but only President Museveni, his arch rival Dr. Kiiza Besigye and former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi are seen as the candidates able to amass significant numbers of votes or the majority of votes needed to win the election outright without a runoff while the others are seen as contenders with no real chance. Public opinion polls have given President Museveni already a substantial lead over his closest two challengers but as the country now moves towards the finishing line in just over three months, will more polls no doubt be conducted as the main campaigns go underway.
Tourism stakeholders were swift to point out that, as was the case in previous general elections in Uganda, there is little chance for either pre- or post election violence in Uganda where in most parts the conduct of the polls, the subsequent counting of the votes and the declaration of results was peaceful and dissent taken to the courts, as it should be.
‘Travel by tourists to the Pearl of Africa will be very safe, we expect no trouble in the run up to our elections and none on polling day. Our national parks are remote, have been secure and free of any trouble for many many years and visitors can be assured that they will enjoy their safari in Uganda’ said a member of the Ugandan delegation presently in London for the World Travel Market which concludes today.
