Vote counting is under way in parts of Uganda following a tense presidential and parliamentary election marked by an internet shutdown, technical disruptions, and accusations of electoral malpractice from the opposition. He further accused authorities of targeting members of his National Unity Platform (NUP), alleging that many party polling agents and supervisors were abducted or forcibly removed from polling stations, according toBBC. The government has yet to respond to the allegations.
Voting was significantly delayed at numerous polling stations, with some opening as much as four hours late. The Electoral Commission attributed the delays largely to malfunctioning biometric voter verification machines. Observers also cited the nationwide internet shutdown, shortages of voting materials, and late delivery of equipment as contributing factors.
As a result, several polling stations remained open beyond the scheduled closing time. The Electoral Commission said all voters who were in queues by 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT) were permitted to cast their ballots. Earlier in the day, the commission issued an apology for the “technical glitches” and said efforts were underway to resolve them.
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President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh consecutive term. His main challenger is Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician whose campaign has drawn strong support from younger voters. The Electoral Commission said the presidential results are expected to be announced by Saturday at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT).
In polling stations visited by the BBC in the capital, Kampala, voting had concluded by 18:00 local time despite the earlier disruptions. While official turnout figures have not yet been released, the delays raised concerns that some voters may have left without casting their ballots.
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