In abid to prevent future rigging of votes,Nrm Party is considering introducing smart voters cards.
Currently, voting in the party is conducted using paper ballots and voters mark their choice by ticking the name and picture of their preferred candidate on the ballot, then place it in a box for counting later.
The method, however, has been cited as a root cause of internal party wrangles due to the perception that powerful party members abuse the system to rig for themselves or their allies through multiple voting.
The current method, according to party officials and members, has bred internal disagreements and forced out dissenting voices who then choose to run as Independents against the official party candidates.
Party officials say the smart card voting system being considered is aimed at ensuring the internal party elections are efficient, transparent, and credible.
The idea of the new system is still in the formative stages although, according to sources, there is a general agreement on the principals and the party is now waiting for the technology developers to interact with the secretariat and agree on the nature of the app.
The smart technology have already reached the Office of the President and the Secretariat, who are currently holding meetings to ascertain its applicability.
“The proposed smart card will bear biometric and other security features.The card will be linked directly to the NRM database and will prevent anyone who has already voted to vote again,”NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Tanga Odoi explained.
The polling agent will just scan the card using their smartphone to ensure only one person has voted with the card.
Party officials say the public should know that the party will invest in technology in order to end any mischievous actions during the election to improve the quality and credibility of elections.
Following the conclusion of public hearings of over 426 petitions arising from the NRM Parliamentary Primary Elections held on 17th July 2025, the NRM Election Disputes Tribunal has today released the first batch of rulings.
This marks a major milestone in the work of the Tribunal, which commenced sittings on 29th July 2025.
“In our earlier statement, we pledged transparency, fairness, and efficiency in handling these matters. Today’s release is a fulfilment of that pledge.Each was petition is adjudicated after full consideration of the evidence and submissions of the parties, guided by the NRM Election Regulations, applicable law, and principles of natural justice,” John MusiimeChairperson, NRM Election Disputes Tribunal said.
He invited Parties and (or) Advocates to the affected petitions to collect their rulings from the Tribunal Registry at Plot 30, Kyadondo Road.
“Where valid email addresses were provided, soft copies shall be transmitted accordingly. Further rulings will continue to be released on a rolling basis over the coming days”he stressed.
The Tribunal expresses its deep appreciation to the media fraternity for its diligent coverage of the Tribunal proceedings, which has played a key role in promoting public confidence and transparency in the Party’s internal electoral processes.We remain committed to concluding the Tribunal’s mandate with the same integrity and fairness,