The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed the nomination of seven contenders for the upcoming by-election in Dokolo Parliamentary.
The nomination process, which spanned over two days, was overseen by Erikwaine Ngobi, the Returning Officer for Dokolo District, at the EC offices located in Dokolo town.
The list of nominees includes Rosemary Austin Alwoc Ogwal representing the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Janet Rose Adongo Elau from the incumbent National Resistance Movement (NRM), Sarah Aguti from Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), and Harriet from the National Unity Platform (NUP).
In addition, three independent candidates – Esther Akullo Obot, Anna Grace Lalam, and Rebecca Arao – have also been nominated. Ngobi concluded the nomination process promptly at 5:01 pm on Tuesday, confirming that all the candidates fulfilled the necessary requirements for nomination.
Ngobi acknowledged that the time allocated for the entire process posed a challenge.
Rebecca Arao, the final independent candidate to be nominated, expressed confidence in her ability to represent the people of Dokolo in parliament, citing her council experience. She added that despite being an NRM carder, the constitution allows her to run as an independent candidate.
Dokolo District Police Commander, Patience Baganzi, emphasized that all candidates are expected to adhere to the EC guidelines, particularly regarding processions. She added that various officers have been assigned specific roles to address any complaints and prevent potential electoral violence.
As per the EC’s roadmap, the nominated candidates will commence a seven-day campaign period from Thursday, March 14th to Wednesday, March 20th, 2024.
The polling and tallying of results for the parliamentary, directly elected councilor, and woman councilor in one of the local governments are scheduled for Thursday, March 21.
Before this, on March 18, the EC will conduct elections for special interest groups in four sub-county local governments of Bata, Dokolo Kwera, and Bata town council.
