In a highly anticipated by-election, Mary Akol, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, has secured a resounding victory and will assume the role of Bukedea District LC5 chairperson.
This position became vacant following the unfortunate passing of former chairperson Moses Olemukan in December of last year. Akol's win was officially declared by the returning officer, Mugyenyi Joel Mugerwa, who announced the results on Wednesday night.
With an overwhelming display of support, Mary Akol received an impressive 79,692 votes, clearly surpassing her closest rival Lokwiisk Tychicus Ebukalin, an Independent candidate, who secured 4,941 votes. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate, Sam Oita Odeke, came in third with 2,343 votes. Mugerwa, acting as the returning officer for Bukedea electoral district, officially proclaimed Akol as the winner.
The election, however, was not without controversy as allegations of malpractices marred the proceedings. The FDC, in a statement released on Wednesday, announced their withdrawal from the race, citing instances of ballot stuffing and intimidation of their polling agents.
FDC President Patrick Amuriat claimed that pre-ticked ballots and brimming ballot boxes were pervasive across many polling stations, implicating the police and army in facilitating these fraudulent practices.
In response to the FDC's statement, the Electoral Commission stated that they had not received any official notice of withdrawal from the by-election. The Commission maintained that it would continue its efforts to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
Mary Akol's victory is met with anticipation as she assumes the crucial role of Bukedea District LC5 chairperson. Her success at the polls marks a turning point for the district and presents an opportunity for positive change and progress under her leadership.
The challenges surrounding the election, including allegations of malpractices, will undoubtedly be a matter of concern that requires further investigation and resolution to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
