Uganda's electoral commission releases 2006 ballot paper samples

Uganda's Electoral Commission (EC) has released samples of the February 23 presidential and parliamentary elections ballot papers.

According to English weekly Sunday Vision, The five presidential candidates' photos appear on the paper in the alphabetical order of their names, with incumbent President Yoweri Museveni at the bottom. Top on the ballot paper is independent candidate Abet Bwanika and next to him is his symbol of a pointed finger.

Next is Col. Besigye Kizza of the Forum of the Democratic Change (FDC), with a key as his symbol, followed by Miria Kalule Obote of Uganda People's Congress (UPC), with the traditional party symbol of an open palm.

Democratic Party's John Ssebaana Kizito is the fourth on the ballot paper with a hoe for his symbol.

Museveni, donning his trademark hat next to the symbol of a yellow bus, comes last on the ballot paper, just as was the case in the 2001 presidential elections.

The ballot paper has four columns. The first column starting left is the name of the candidate followed by his/her photograph and then the candidate's symbol. Voters are to tick or affix their thumbprints in the box in the fourth column, beside the candidate of their choice.

About 10.4 million registered voters will go to the polls on Feb. 23 in the first multiparty elections in two decades.

Source: Xinhua