Inside EC's plotted plan to reorganize polling stations: What has not been told.

The Electoral Commission (EC) is making headlines with the its plan to reorganize polling stations ahead of the 2025/2026 general elections. While the official narrative is focused on improving voter convenience, several details behind the scenes raise questions about the full impact of this reorganization.

According to the EC, this exercise is designed to ensure "adequate space at polling stations" and to manage the number of voters per station. However, a source within the Commission, who requested anonymity, expressed concerns about the timing and scope of this plan.

"The process seems rushed and could potentially disenfranchise voters, especially in rural areas where accessibility is already a challenge," the source said.

The reorganization involves merging polling stations with low voter numbers and splitting those with too many voters. While this might sound logical, another insider revealed that "the criteria for these changes are not entirely transparent.

Some areas could be disproportionately affected, leading to longer travel distances for certain voters."

Additionally, the plan to relocate polling stations from "contestable areas" like bars or private premises is seen as a move to prevent electoral malpractice. Yet, critics argue that this could also serve to relocate polling stations from areas where opposition parties have a strong presence.

"There’s a fear that this reorganization could be used to manipulate voter turnout in key constituencies," warned a political analyst closely monitoring the situation.

Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the EC Chairperson, maintains that the reorganization is in the best interest of the electoral process.

"We are committed to ensuring a smooth and fair election," he stated in a recent press release. However, as the August deadline for the reorganization looms, the true implications of these changes remain to be seen.