The Electoral Commission (EC) has come under criticism from voters and candidates in Arua City following repeated errors on the ballot paper that have led to the cancellation of the Bazaar Ward Women Councilor election for the third time.
Voters say the recurring mistakes raise concerns about the commission’s preparedness and the importance attached to the election.
For the third time, the poll has been postponed after the name and photo of the late Samira Haruna, the former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate, appeared on the ballot paper instead of the party’s replacement nominee.
A voter, Walid Abdallah, expressed disappointment and blamed the EC for failing to rectify the error despite previous cancellations.
He warns that the repeated postponements could discourage voters and lead to low turnout on the newly scheduled date.
Another voter, Sinamakosa Hiba, who accompanied one of the candidates, Zabibu Alias, during the nomination last year, said the continued delays are financially draining for candidates who must keep funding their campaigns.
She urges the EC to clearly communicate the confirmed election date without further errors or postponements.
Candidates have also expressed frustration, saying the repeated rescheduling affects them both economically and psychologically as they continue preparing for the same election.
Arua City Returning Officer Oshman Ezale expresses regret over the errors and appeals for calm as the commission works to correct them.
The Bazaar Ward Women Councillor election has tentatively been rescheduled for February 26, 2026, pending official confirmation from the commission.
By URN
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