However, the election which is supposed to have closed at 4: 00 pm today has failed to take off as the youth delegates turned rowdy demanding that each of them is paid 2 million Shillihs before voting for the candidates.
A standoff has ensued between Electoral commission and the 430 National Youth delegates in Arua over money. The delegates from all corners of Uganda converged at
Mvara Secondary School in Arua from yesterday to elect their national representatives to
the 11th Parliament.
However, the election which is supposed to have closed
at 4: 00 pm today has failed to take off as the youth delegates turned rowdy
demanding that each of them is paid 2 million Shillihs before voting for the
candidates.
According to election officials, each delegate is
supposed to receive 530,000 Shillings as facilitation. A bitter exchange ensued between the youths, EC and
security officials as all efforts to negotiate a common figure failed.
//Cue in; No money no vote...
Cue out; given us anything."//
The Regional Returning Officer
West Nile who is mandated to manage the elections was booed when he made efforts to calm the
youths to accept the 530,000 Shillings.
//Cue in; You see that’s...
Cue out... You are many."//
According
to the delegates, they have not been fed since yesterday, yet part of the
money is meant to cater for their transport, accommodation and allowances.
The
standoff has also disrupted learning by the Senior four and sox candidates in Mvara
SS.
