The Electoral Commission (EC) has opened its first regional office in Arua City, marking a significant step towards decentralising electoral services and bringing the Commission closer to communities in the West Nile region.The new office is expected to improve access to key electoral services, including voter registration, civic education, electoral logistics and coordination with local leaders and other stakeholders.Speaking during the launch, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said the regional office was intended not only to expand the Commission’s physical presence but also to strengthen public confidence and participation in the electoral process.
The establishment of the Arua office is expected to reduce the distance residents have previously travelled to access electoral services from central offices.With a permanent regional presence, residents will be able to access electoral information and services more conveniently and efficiently.The Arua office is part of the Electoral Commission’s broader plan to establish regional centres in different parts of the country as it seeks to improve electoral preparedness and service delivery.Local leaders and residents welcomed the development, saying the presence of the Commission in the region could encourage greater civic participation, particularly among young people and communities that have traditionally faced challenges accessing electoral services.
The regional office is also expected to strengthen coordination between the Electoral Commission, local authorities, political stakeholders and communities across West Nile.The Commission said the initiative reflects its commitment to promoting an inclusive, transparent and credible electoral process by ensuring that electoral services are accessible to citizens regardless of their location.As Uganda prepares for future elections, the Arua regional office represents an important step in the Commission’s efforts to bring electoral services closer to the people and strengthen public participation in the country’s democratic processes.
