The Democratic Party (DP) candidate for LC1 chairperson of Tekwo Village in Oroko Parish, Gulu District, has also rejected the outcome of the village elections, alleging widespread irregularities during the voting process.
Odong Denis claims the number of people who voted exceeded those in the official voters’ register. He also accuses his opponent of importing non-residents, allegedly in collaboration with members of the Balalo pastoralist community in Oroko, to influence the outcome of the election vowing to petition the results.
However, the declared winner, Achieng Margaret of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), dismisses the allegations.
Speaking to Favor FM, Achieng denies such claims of transporting voters from other villages or Balalo herdsmen participation in the election to help her retain the LC1 seat.
She says the voting process was conducted openly under the supervision of officers from Palaro Police Station supervised by the OC station and maintains that elections naturally produce winners and losers.
According to the Electoral Commission results, Tekwo Village had 148 registered voters, with 106 turning up to vote. Achieng Margaret won the election with 82 votes, while Odong Denis secured 24 votes.
Oroko Parish Election Supervisor Francisco Okumu confirms that elections in all five villages within the parish were free and fair acknowledging a brief tension in one village before police intervention restored calm, allowing the voting process to continue peacefully.
Okumu dismisses allegations of electoral malpractice, saying claims often arise from disappointed candidates after elections. He also expresses concern over the low voter turnout across the parish, attributing it to farming activities, changing voter attitudes, and other personal commitments.
Oroko Parish comprises the villages of Alworo Jok, Lagot Anyira, Tekwo, Oroko Centre, and Gwayi, where the growing presence of Balalo pastoralists has become a subject of public debate.
By Martine Odong
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