Members of Parliament have sharply criticized the Electoral Commission for excluding political parties from the process of demarcating constituencies and reorganizing electoral areas.
The lawmakers also took issue with the Commission’s reliance on outdated census data from 2014, rather than the more recent figures from 2024.
During Wednesday’s Parliamentary session, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze raised concerns over the exclusion of political parties from the demarcation process, stating, “The Electoral Commission engaged only technical experts, sidelining political parties, who are crucial to this process. This is unacceptable.”
Nambooze also expressed alarm over the reduction in the size of some electoral areas, suggesting that it could lead to tensions ahead of the 2026 elections.
“This will result in chaos and disputes during the elections,” she cautioned.
Furthermore, Nambooze condemned the use of outdated population data, labeling it as “malpractice.”
“Why rely on 2014 data when we have the updated 2024 figures? This is a blatant attempt to manipulate the process,” she asserted.
In response, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao pledged to address the issue with the Electoral Commission, stating, “I will instruct them to convene a National Consultative Forum to address the concerns of all stakeholders. We must ensure that this process is transparent and inclusive.”Members of Parliament have sharply criticized the Electoral Commission for excluding political parties from the process of demarcating constituencies and reorganizing electoral areas.
The lawmakers also took issue with the Commission’s reliance on outdated census data from 2014, rather than the more recent figures from 2024.
During Wednesday’s Parliamentary session, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze raised concerns over the exclusion of political parties from the demarcation process, stating, “The Electoral Commission engaged only technical experts, sidelining political parties, who are crucial to this process. This is unacceptable.”
Nambooze also expressed alarm over the reduction in the size of some electoral areas, suggesting that it could lead to tensions ahead of the 2026 elections.
“This will result in chaos and disputes during the elections,” she cautioned.
Furthermore, Nambooze condemned the use of outdated population data, labeling it as “malpractice.”
“Why rely on 2014 data when we have the updated 2024 figures? This is a blatant attempt to manipulate the process,” she asserted.
In response, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao pledged to address the issue with the Electoral Commission, stating, “I will instruct them to convene a National Consultative Forum to address the concerns of all stakeholders. We must ensure that this process is transparent and inclusive.”