Uganda’s electoral body on Tuesday unveiled a roadmap to the country’s 2021 general elections, emphasizing COVID-19 prevention measures. Simon Byabakama, chairperson of the Electoral Commission told reporters that the presidential, parliamentary and other local council elections will be held between Jan. 10 and Feb. 8. Nominations will take place between September and November 2020 while campaigns will be held between November 2020 and January 2021. Byabakama said mass rallies will not be allowed in a bid to implement social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “The Commission will avail nomination forms on its website that can be printed by those with access to the internet,” Byabakama said. “The Commission advises political parties and aspiring independent candidates to ensure safe practices during primaries and other preparatory activities. Candidates, their agents and supporters are urged to strictly follow the guidelines on public meetings as issued by the ministry of health,” he added. He said campaigns will be carried out through the media unlike before when there were mass rallies. Health experts say that the end of the COVID-19 pandemic may take some time. Uganda, according to the ministry of health, currently has 724 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 351 recoveries and no deaths. (Xinhua) Attachments areaReplyForward