{UAH} Allan/Pojim/WBK: First batch of ballot papers arrives - Elections

http://www.monitor.co.ug/SpecialReports/Elections/First-batch-of-ballot-papers-arrives/-/859108/3052784/-/1tkfv9/-/index.html

First batch of ballot papers arrives

Political Party representatives, election observers and EC officials inspect the consignment at Entebbe Airport. Photo by Stephen Kafeero 

The first batch of ballot papers for the February 18 presidential elections arrived on Thursday at Entebbe Airport aboard Ethiopian Airlines.

The plane carrying 163 pallets worth 67,000kgs touched down at 1:30pm. The consignment was received by EC officials, with political party representatives and election observers among others present.

"Originally, delivery was supposed to be 10am but a delay postponed arrival to 1pm due to the weather in South Africa," Mr Kiggundu said.

Asked why the country had to import the ballot papers, Mr Kiggundu said distrust is the reason why millions of dollars are being spent to print ballots abroad.
"In a few countries of Africa, commissions have developed the capacity to print ballots, unluckily we aren't among them," he said.

Among other things, Mr Kiggundu said, the ballot papers are to be transported with high level security to the EC warehouse in Banda, Kampala.

"We are proud to have this level of transparency in the electoral process. We are inviting all accredited agents to view the process. We will not keep the ballots for long but rather will unpack in about two weeks for dispatch to the districts. The package that goes to the polling station is well encased and will only be opened on the polling dates," Mr Kiggundu said.

The first ballots will be cast on February 18 in an election which has seen eight candidates vie for the presidency and 1,747 parliamentary candidates fighting for 458 slots.

Other companies expected to deliver ballot papers in the coming days include TALL Security Print Ltd of United Kingdom (for sub-county chairpersons and sub-county directly-elected councilors), Ms Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing House from the United Arab Emirates (for district chairpersons, district directly-elected councilors and sub-county women councillors), and Picfare Industries (for municipality mayors, municipality councillors and special interest group councillors).

First batch of ballot papers arrives - Elections

http://www.monitor.co.ug/SpecialReports/Elections/First-batch-of-ballot-papers-arrives/-/859108/3052784/-/1tkfv9/-/index.html

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