Minister who doubles as a Musician, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine has written to the Electoral Commission notifying them of his intention to carry out consultations over his 2021 presidential bid.
In a letter dated 3rd December to the EC chairperson, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, Kyagulanyi says he intends to stand as President in the 2021 general elections under article 103 of the Constitution and is therefore set to start consulting electorates over the same.
Quoting section 3(1) of the Presidential Elections Act 2005, Bobi Wine says as an aspirant, he may consult in preparation for his nomination as a presidential candidate within 12 months before the date of the nomination.
“I now write in line with section 3(3) to of the Act to introduce myself to you as an aspiring presidential candidate and accordingly notify you of my intention to carry out nationwide consultations. I also intend to carry out other activities envisaged by the Act as stipulated above,” reads in part, Kyagulanyi’s letter to the Electoral Commission chairperson.
He says he has already perused through the election roadmap and therefore his actions are in accordance with the same, adding that he has also copied in the Inspector General of Police of his intended consultations.
The Electoral Commission spokesperson, Jotham Taremwa recently said the commission would respond appropriately to Kyagulanyi in accordance with the law.
Section 3 of the Presidential Elections Act 2005 (1), (2) and (3) states: “An aspirant may consult in preparation for his or her nomination as a presidential candidate within 12 months before nomination date.”
It also stipulates, “While consulting, a presidential aspirant may carry out nationwide consultations, prepare his or her manifesto and other campaign materials, raise funds for his or her campaign through lawful means and convene meetings of national delegates.”
“While consulting, the aspirant shall introduce himself or herself to the commission and notify the relevant local council and the police of the area to which he or she goes,” the law adds.