Why EC Suspended Electoral Programme for Women Councils

The Electoral Commission has suspended the Electoral Programme for Women Councils after the Ministry of Finance informed the Commission that the funds required for conducting the subsequent activities under the electoral Roadmap are not yet available.

On 18th February 2022, the Electoral Commission issued a Roadmap detailing the various activities to be conducted under the programme for elections of Women Councils and Committees from the Village to the National Level.

The Commission had finalised the compilation of the Village Women Residents’ Register and was currently conducting the Display of the said Registers at each Village/Cell across the country in preparation for subsequent activities, namely, nomination of candidates and polling at the Village level.

‘’However, the Ministry of Finance informed the Commission that the funds required for conducting the subsequent activities under the electoral Roadmap are not yet available’’, reads a letter signed by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson Electoral Commission.

Consequently, all the remaining activities under the approved programme for conduct of the Women Councils and Committees Elections, starting with the nominations of candidates, which were earlier scheduled for Monday 27th June – 1st July 2022, have been suspended.

‘’Accordingly, the Commission informs the general public, Political Party leaders and women in particular, that the remaining programme for the elections of Village Women Councils and Committees, shall not be implemented as earlier scheduled’’, adds Byabakama’s letter.

The Commission says will issue a new programme for the electoral activities when the required additional funds are availed.

The Commission further appealed to Political Parties and Organisations, aspiring candidates and their supporters, and all other stakeholders in these elections, to remain calm as the matter of the additional funding requirements is being handled by the relevant organs of Government.