EC to demarcate electoral areas for 2026 general elections

31 July 2024, 9:46 am

By Annet Nakato

The Electoral Commission (EC) is set to start the demarcation of electoral areas and reorganising the polling stations beginning next month (August) as the country draws closer to the 2026 general elections.

Chairman Electoral Commission Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama earlier today noted that the activity is meant to enhance equality and fairness in representation during the electoral process.

In preparation for the upcoming 2026 general elections, which will feature presidential and parliamentary elections, the EC has revealed plans to begin demarcating electoral areas and reorganising polling stations in the first week of the month of august.

The commission has today engaged different stakeholder in Kampala including political leaders, religious leaders and the civil society fraternity and academia among others, regarding the demarcation, and reorganisation process.

The EC Chairman, Justice Simon Peter Byabakama, has highlighted the rise in the number of voters, establishment of new administrative units, and enhancement of certain polling stations. Consequently, there is a requirement for demarcation and reorganisation of the polling stations.

The agency has indicated that the demarcation of electoral areas and the reorganisation of polling stations will contribute to greater equality and fairness in representation throughout the electoral process.

Justice Byabakama further explained the matter concerning Ugandans living abroad and prisoners being unable to take part in the elections, emphasising the necessity of electoral reforms that would enable them to participate in the electoral process.

According to Justice Byabakama the 2026 general elections expected to have between 42000 to 45000 polling stations.

Number of voters is projected to be 22million.