The National Resistance Movement Electoral Commission Chairman, Dr. Tanga Odoi,has threatened to disqualify NRM candidates who are flouting the COVID-19 public health guidelines.
His remarks come on the heels of continued processions by party big shots seeking nominations in the party.
While addressing the media at the party headquarters in Kampala on Tuesday, Odoi said the party has started out its investigations into alleged flouting of COVID-19 guidelines by aspirants.
“I talked to Hon Kateshumbwa and he told me that he is very sorry because he didn’t have control over his crowd. He said he didn’t know that crowd was waiting for him.We have given our intelligent source what is answer is,” he said.
He however said for the case of Koboko munciplaity MP,Evelyn Anite,the party has nothing to do with her at the moment because she is not yet nominated.
“If we had nominated her we would have reprimanded her but now that we have not. We are not going to do anything.We shall only wait to see whether she will do the same thing after nomination,”said Odoi.
Odoi condemned all forms of behaviors that undermine government efforts in the fight against the pandemic.”What happened in Sheema and what happened in Koboko is regrettable and it should not be repeated again. “If it is our electoral officials who are are causing problems. We can request them to step aside,”he said.
He warned that the party will now be compelled to dismiss errant party candidates without fear and favour. “Processions as we witnessed the other day are illegal, unacceptable,uncalled for and condemned. Anyone planning to do procession after nomination shall be disqualified.We shall disqualify anybody who violates COVID-19 regulations,”he warned.
Odoi also warned district registrars to be vigilant while conducting CEC polls. “Any district registrar who intends to use this period for fraud will be apprehended and taken to prison,”he said.
He also said over 1,000 candidates have successfully been nominated on day two to contest in the party primary elections.
Several big wigs were nominated under tight COVID-19 regulations and only invited aspirants from the Western and Eastern regions were let in on condition that they are not accompanied by supporters.
