Electoral Commission Postpones All Elections in Butebo District After Violence and Loss of Materials

The Electoral Commission has postponed all elections in Butebo District following reports of serious disruptions that compromised the integrity of the voting process.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commission said it received verified reports of interruptions that led to the destruction and loss of critical election materials, including ballot papers, in several sub-counties across the district.

The incidents, according to the Commission, made it impossible to conduct a credible election.“ As a result of these developments, the polling process was significantly affected in a number of areas,” the Commission noted, adding that the situation posed a direct threat to the credibility of the electoral exercise.Consequently, the Commission resolved to postpone elections for all elective positions in the district.

These include the District Chairperson, directly elected District Councillors, and District Women Councillors. The Electoral Commission said the decision was taken to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

No new date for the elections was announced, but the Commission assured the public that it will communicate a fresh polling date once the situation has been adequately addressed.

The Commission also called on candidates, their agents, supporters, and residents of Butebo District to remain calm and maintain peace and order as investigations and corrective measures continue.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of those responsible for the disruptions, and it remains unclear whether arrests have been made. Security agencies are expected to provide further updates as inquiries proceed.

The postponement adds to growing concerns over election-related violence and logistical challenges in some parts of the country, raising renewed calls for improved security and accountability during electoral exercises.