A group of concerned members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Youth League, led by National Youth Council Chairperson Jacob Eyeru, has petitioned the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Youth League elections.
At the heart of their complaint is the exclusion of newly elected NRM District Youth Councillor flag bearers from the delegate list for the upcoming Special Interest Group (SIG) National Elective Conference.
The petitioners argue that these councillors, as incoming office bearers, are the rightful participants in the electoral process and should not be sidelined.
The group also raised alarm over reported manipulation of the voter register, accusing some party registrars of compromising the integrity of the process.
They are demanding that the full voters' register be made publicly accessible to all candidates in advance to prevent what they term “underhand tactics.”
Of particular concern is an alleged conflict of interest involving the son of the NRM Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, who is a candidate for National Youth League Chairperson.
Petitioners say images and videos circulating on social media show Electoral Commission staff openly participating in the candidate’s campaign activities, raising serious ethical and procedural red flags.
The petition further cites the case of another candidate allegedly contesting for a Youth League position despite being over the party’s stipulated age limit of 35.
According to the group, this candidate is being shielded due to close ties with the EC Chairperson’s family.
In their five-point appeal, the petitioners are calling on the CEC to:
- Allow both incumbent and newly elected District Youth Councillors to participate in the SIG National Elective Conference.
- Issue clear and transparent voting guidelines for regional vice chairperson elections.
- Ban the use of EC resources or influence by any candidate.
- Make the full voters’ register publicly accessible ahead of voting.
- Disqualify all candidates who exceed the age limit set by the party.
Copies of the petition have been submitted to the NRM National Chairman, the Secretary General, and the Director of Legal Affairs.
Efforts to obtain a response from the NRM Electoral Commission were still ongoing by press time.