The Electoral Commission (EC) has postponed voting in Butebo District following serious disruptions that affected the electoral process and led to the destruction and loss of key election materials.
In a statement, the Commission said it had received reports of interruptions that damaged critical materials, including ballot papers, making it impossible to continue with polling in several parts of the district.
“The Electoral Commission informs the general public that it has received reports of serious interruptions to the electoral process in Butebo District, which resulted in the damage to and loss of critical election materials, including ballot papers,” the statement read.
According to the EC, the incidents significantly affected polling in a number of sub-counties, prompting the decision to halt the exercise in order to protect the credibility of the elections.
“In view of the above, and in order to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, the Electoral Commission has taken the decision to postpone the elections for all elective positions in Butebo District,” the Commission said.
The affected positions include the District Chairperson, Directly Elected District Councillors, and District Women Councillors.
The Commission added that a new date for the elections will be announced later.
“The Commission will communicate a new date for the elections in due course,” it said.
Meanwhile, the EC has called for calm among residents and political actors in the district.
“The Electoral Commission calls upon all candidates, their agents, supporters and the people of Butebo District to remain calm and maintain peace and order as the Commission addresses the situation.”
