The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued detailed guidelines to voters on procedures to be followed on polling day ahead of the general elections scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026.
According to the EC spokesperson, Julius Mucunguzi, voters are required to report to the polling stations where they are registered in order to participate in the exercise.
Mucunguzi said voters must present either a National Identification Card or a Voter Location Slip to polling officials. Those without the documents will be assisted by the presiding officer to confirm their details using the National Voters Register.
He explained that voter identification will be conducted using the Biometric Voter Verification Machine, which will verify voters through fingerprint or facial recognition before they are allowed to vote.
“After successful verification, the presiding officer will scan and issue the ballot papers to the voter,” Mucunguzi said.
Voters will then proceed to the voting basin to mark the candidate of their choice for each elective position using either a tick or a thumbprint. The ballot papers must be folded as directed and inserted into the appropriate ballot boxes.
To prevent multiple voting, a polling assistant will mark the voter’s finger with indelible ink as proof that they have voted.
Mucunguzi reminded voters that polling stations will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m., urging the electorate to arrive on time and observe electoral guidelines.
He called on all eligible voters to peacefully exercise their right to vote and take part in choosing their leaders, noting that participation is key to a credible electoral process.
