Dr Tanga Odoi, chairman of the NRM party’s electoral commission, has revealed the party will choose its candidate for the Speaker of Parliament race by secret ballot.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party electoral commission chairman, Dr Tanga Odoi has revealed that the party will make a decision on who to front in the Speaker of Parliament race through voting which will be done by secret ballot.
Addressing journalists in Kampala, Odoi urged all those individuals interested in the positions of the Speaker of Parliament and that of deputy Speaker to put in writing their requests after which they will be voted for by the party caucus in a secret ballot.
“Voting shall be by secret ballot and voting by proxy shall not be allowed. The winners shall be declared on the basis of those candidates who shall obtain a simple majority of the total votes counted in the election,” Dr Tanga revealed.
He said for one to contest for any of the above positions, an aspiring candidate must be an NRM member of the 11th parliament and likewise, all voters for the above positions must be NRM members of the 11th parliament.
Dr Tanga also reminded all those vying for the positions together with the eligible voters that they shall be convened in a process that will be in line with the Ministry of Health guidelines on Covid-19.
The Commission chairman, however, said in situations when the candidates vying for one position are tied to the total votes, a recount will be called for.
“In case the first two candidates tie, the election shall be repeated. In case of any disagreement on any matter arising out of the electoral process, the returning officer’s decision shall be final.”
“Polling exercise shall start at 10am with election officials setting up the polling station and close at 2pm. Aspiring candidates shall each be given reasonable time to campaign before voting commences,” he said.
He further raised the issue of rigging. On this Tanga noted that candidates caught engaging in any form of malpractice will be disqualified. He, however, mentioned that each will be given ample time to campaign before voting.
“A candidate will be allowed two agents from members of the electorate to witness the polling process whereas a voters’ register will be availed during the voting day to identify rightful voters. Any member who wishes to contest for any two positions of the speaker or deputy speaker of Parliament shall write to the chairperson NRM Electoral Commission,” Tanga added.
“We are going to handle the game like we have handled others before. The CEC process is very transparent. We warned those who are coming that if they misbehave, we shall disqualify them.”
