UgandaToday: IEC announces fresh nominations for replacement of deceased candidates
By Uganda Today News Desk
At a press notice issued, the Electoral Commission announced that fresh nomination days will be on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 October 2025 for electoral areas where nominated candidates have died.
The IEC statement said that the exercise is undertaken “in accordance with Section 26 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap 177” which provides for fresh nominations if a duly-nominated candidate dies before polling day.
The statement further clarified that living candidates who were already duly nominated will not be required to undergo the nomination process again, and only new aspirants will be eligible to step in for the deceased.
This move comes as some Local Government Council seats were left in limbo when nominated contestants passed away, causing a legal gap. The IEC emphasised that the exercise is necessary to ensure continuity of the electoral calendar ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
In its release, the Commission extended condolences to the families of the deceased candidates and reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and credible nomination process.
Legal basis
The authority of the IEC to conduct nominations stems from the Ugandan constitution and statutory electoral laws. Under Article 59 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the IEC is established as the body responsible for conducting elections and referenda.
Specifically, the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap 177 (“the Act”) contains Section 26 providing that where a candidate duly nominated dies on or before polling day, the nomination process for that electoral area shall be re-opened. “In Article 60 of the Constitution of Uganda (1995), which establishes the Independent Electoral Commission as the body charged with conducting elections and nominations. In addition, the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap 177 (Section 26) empowers the Commission to issue a gazette notice fixing nomination days, and where a nominated candidate has died prior to polling day, to re-open the nomination process. (See EC Nomination Guidelines 30 June 2025, citing Section 26, Cap 177.)”
Implications
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Political parties and independent aspirants should act quickly to collect nomination forms, from their District Electoral Offices or download from the EC website, ahead of the two-day window (27–28 Oct).
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The timing is crucial: by holding fresh nominations now, the IEC seeks to avoid delays in campaigning and polling logistics which could otherwise disrupt the electoral calendar.
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For voters in the affected areas, this means their choice set will be refreshed and contests re-activated.
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For governance watchers, the IEC’s enforcement of Section 26 may set a precedent for dealing with unexpected candidate deaths close to elections, reinforcing procedural fairness.
Looking ahead
As the country gears up for the 2026 General Elections, the IEC’s proactive step serves as a reminder of the unpredictability in the electoral cycle—and the need for robust institutional mechanisms to preserve legitimacy and continuity. For the affected districts, the next 48 hours will be critical for parties and aspirants to reposition themselves.
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