The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that preparations for printing ballot papers ahead of the 2026 General Election are in advanced stages, assuring the public that the materials will be clear, easy to use, and meet all required standards.
This comes amid growing concern in some constituencies where the number of candidates—especially for parliamentary and local government positions—has exceeded 20, raising fears that the ballot papers might become overcrowded and confusing for voters.
Paul Bukenya, the EC Deputy Spokesperson, acknowledged the challenge but reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to maintaining high quality.
“Printing ballot papers is a critical part of the election process. The work is progressing well because we have already secured printers, and our teams are closely working with them to ensure everything is properly set,” Bukenya said.
He noted that the design process is already underway, with special attention given to ensuring that each candidate’s details are clearly visible, regardless of how many are contesting in a particular race.
“In areas with many candidates, we are carefully designing the ballot papers so that each candidate’s name and symbol are easy to identify, allowing voters to make their choice confidently,” Bukenya added.
According to the EC, elections for Members of Parliament will be held on 15 January 2026, the same day as the presidential election.
The Commission reiterated that timely printing and delivery of ballot papers remain top priorities to guarantee a smooth and transparent voting process.
