The Electoral Commission (EC) has cautioned presidential candidates in the 2026 General Elections against mobilising supporters to remain at polling stations under the guise of “protecting” or “demanding” votes, saying such actions contravene the law and could disrupt the electoral process.
In a formal communication addressed to all presidential candidates, the Commission expressed concern over campaign messages urging supporters to protect votes using slogans such as “Kanoonye, Kalonde, Kakuume, Kabanje.”
The EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon said while voter participation is encouraged, safeguarding candidates’ interests at polling stations is a legal responsibility reserved for duly appointed polling agents, not ordinary voters.
Quoting Section 35(1) of the Presidential Elections Act, the Commission noted that a candidate may be present in person or through representatives or polling agents at each polling station specifically to safeguard their interests during polling. It further cited Section 50(3), which allows candidates or their agents to be present throughout voting and counting for the same purpose.
“The responsibility of ‘protecting’ a candidate’s votes squarely lies with the polling agents deployed by the candidate at each polling station,” Justice Byabakama emphasized, adding that every candidate is entitled to deploy two polling agents per station.
Addressing the slogan element of “kabanje” (demand), the EC clarified that under Section 53(1)(d) of the Act, the presiding officer is required to hand over a copy of the Declaration of Results (DR) form to each candidate’s agent. It stressed that it is not the role of individual voters to demand DR forms from presiding officers.
The Commission warned that encouraging voters or non-voters to remain within the 20-metre vicinity of polling stations throughout voting and counting could lead to congestion, disputes, and even violence. It also noted that many polling stations, especially in urban areas, are located in confined spaces, making it difficult to maintain the legally required distance and potentially compromising the secrecy of the ballot.
“With multiple presidential and parliamentary candidates, each deploying agents, overcrowding at polling stations is a real risk,” the EC said, adding that the presence of large numbers of supporters adds no value to protecting candidates’ interests and instead puts the process at risk.
The Commission reiterated its guidance that voters who have cast their ballots should leave polling stations and may return at 4:00 p.m. to witness the counting of votes, provided they observe the 20-metre distance rule.
“As a consequence, candidates are warned to desist from whipping up their supporters to remain near polling stations under the guise of protecting or demanding votes,” the EC stated, assuring candidates that the number of agents at polling stations is sufficient to safeguard their interests.
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