The National Unity Platform (NUP) has set its sights on sweeping the upcoming youth elections, but tensions with the Electoral Commission are already surfacing.
The party has accused the Commission of denying them access to voter registers needed to prepare for the elections.
“We’ve made several attempts to obtain the voter lists, but the Electoral Commission has failed to provide them. This limits transparency and our ability to mobilise,” said NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya.
However, the Electoral Commission has dismissed the claims as false. It insists that all voter lists are available at sub-county offices across the country and that no political party has been denied access.
“There’s no truth in the allegation that we’re withholding lists, Every party, including NUP, has access to the registers at the designated sub county offices.” Noted Julius mucunguzi the commission spokesperson.
The party is set to officially launch its nationwide campaign this Saturday and begin vetting youth candidates under 30 years of age aligning with legal eligibility requirements.
The NUP is determined not to miss out on the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) elections previously dominated by the ruling NRM, NUP says it's ready for full participation.
“This is the youth’s time to lead, we are mobilising at every level to ensure they seize that opportunity.” Rubongoya noted
Relatedly Over 40,000 nomination forms have already been filled within just one week in the ongoing exercise of expression of interest. , More party members continue to show interest and the party is ready to receive them.
The party has also tightened its vetting process, requiring 60% support from candidates’ areas of interest up from 50%.
NUP has also issued a warning to individuals soliciting money from aspiring candidates promising them party cards, vowing to take action against errant members.