WARNED: EC Warns Presidential Candidates Against Flouting COVID 19 SOPs

BY LYDIA AMUYA OMECH

KAMPALA, Uganda|SHIFTMEDIA| Presidential candidates who flout the set COVID 19 guidelines risk being ejected from the race, Electoral Commission has warned. As per the set guidelines, no candidate is allowed to campaign in the open exceeding a capacity of 200 persons to avoid the spread of the virus.

Apart from the National Resistance Movement flag bearer President Museveni who has been adhering to the guidelines, the majority have been seen attracting huge crowds contrary to the set Standard Operating procedures (SOPs).

The Electoral Commission has in a statement noted with concern that some candidates, including Presidential candidates, are holding their campaigns in a manner that violates the guidelines for the conduct of campaign meetings.

“The Electoral Commission wishes to appreciate candidates who have organised and conducted public meetings in accordance with the Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for conducting campaigns in a COVID-19 environment. The Commission has, however, noted with concern that some candidates, including Presidential candidates, are holding their campaigns in a manner that violates the Guidelines for Conduct of Campaign Meetings,” reads part of the statement.

Today is day 4 of the presidential campaigns that kicked off on Monday, November 9th 2020.

Justice Simon Byabakama warned candidates during the nominations against attracting their supporters into the procession

“Some candidates are mobilizing their supporters to gather at campaign venues in large numbers. The Public Health (Control of COVID-19) (Amendment No.3) Rules, 2020, issued on 9th November 2020, provides gatherings for purposes of political meetings should not exceed 200 persons,” the statement adds.

“The Commission has also noted that some candidates and their supporters are not wearing face masks during public meetings, which puts all participants, including the candidates, at the risk of contracting COVID-19.”

“We warn all candidates contesting for various elective positions under the General Elections 2021, and all other stakeholders in the electoral process to conduct themselves in accordance with the Guidelines for the campaigns and strictly observe measures issued by the Commission.”

“Some candidates are conducting processions along public roads, through towns and trading centres, and are also holding rallies in non-designated venues as per the harmonised campaign programme.”

“The Commission reiterates that processions and public/mass rallies remain banned in accordance with the measures put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

“Non-compliance with the Guidelines issued for the campaign period will necessitate intervention by law enforcing agencies, among other measures.”