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—> Voting in the Hoima District LCV By-election concluded without major incidents, despite earlier anticipated tensions.
—> There was generally low voter participation. Low voter turnout could have been due to the disruptions caused by the all-day rainy weather.
—> That notwithstanding, it is incumbent upon stakeholders to address the persistent low voter participation in Uganda’s elections, generally. This will require continuous assessment of barriers to voting in specific places or demographics and developing targeted solutions.
—> A multifaceted approach is key. This could include ramped up efforts to educate and engage citizens, simplifying the voting process, combating any forms of voter suppression, and continuously building trust in elections through diverse means.
—> Community leaders and influencers should also be encouraged to promote voting.
—> Encouraging civic participation and addressing specific factors contributing to low turnout in a given context are crucial steps toward improving voter engagement.
—> Some of these proposed interventions may require reforming the electoral legislative and administrative frameworks.
—> Addressing low voter turnout will have to be an ongoing effort that enlists collaboration among government institutions, civic organizations, and the citizens themselves.
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Crispin Kaheru
Commissioner
Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC)