Agency
Any mark on a ballot paper that is not a tick or a thumbprint will render your vote invalid, the Electoral Commission warned ahead of polling day.
Speaking during a public demonstration on valid and invalid vote determination, the Commission’s Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, explained that a ballot paper will be considered valid only if a voter places a tick or thumbprint against the name, portrait, or symbol of a candidate, even if the mark falls slightly outside the designated box, as long as the voter’s intention is clear.
Justice Byabakama further clarified that a vote will still count if a voter makes more than one mark within the box of a single candidate, provided the marks do not cross into another candidate’s box.
However, if a tick or thumbprint extends into the space of another candidate, the ballot will automatically be declared invalid, regardless of intention.
The warning comes against the backdrop of persistently high numbers of invalid votes.
During the 2021 general elections, invalid votes stood at 393,500, accounting for 3.66 per cent of the total votes cast.
Out of 10,744,319 total votes, only 10,350,819 were valid, while 29,913 ballots were classified as spoiled.
The Electoral Commission says reducing invalid votes remains a key priority to ensure that every citizen’s choice counts.
Justice Byabakama also reassured voters that the law allows anyone who accidentally spoils a ballot paper, either by making an unintended mark or selecting the wrong candidate, to request a replacement.
In such cases, the spoiled ballot will be retained by polling officials, and a fresh one will be issued.
Justice Byabakama has also announced that all mobile sound systems must go silent this evening, and that no campaign music or messages may be aired after 6:00 p.m. today.
He said the decision is intended to give both voters and candidates a day of rest ahead of polling on Thursday.
While radio and television campaign promotions and talk shows may continue until midnight, any campaign activity beyond that point will be illegal.
Addressing journalists at the Electoral Commission headquarters in the Industrial Area of Kampala, the EC Chairperson warned that anyone found campaigning after January 13 will be in breach of election laws and liable to arrest.
The directive applies equally to candidates and their agents.
On polling day, voters have also been cautioned against wearing clothing or accessories bearing messages or symbols that promote any political party or candidate. At the same time, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive voting, noting that persons with disabilities who cannot vote independently are permitted to be assisted by a person of their own choice.
