With only three days to the 2026 general elections, voters in the Lango sub-region are raising concerns over a possible spike in invalid votes, which they blame on what they describe as inadequate voter education by the Electoral Commission (EC). Previous elections recorded high numbers of rejected ballots, often linked to poor voter education, misinformation, and fear.
Many voters say every ballot matters, warning that a rejected vote silences a voter’s choice of a leader. Although the Electoral Commission says it has conducted civic education across all electoral areas, several voters interviewed say they remain unprepared to vote correctly.
Paul Obonyo, a 38-year-old resident of Ojul Atidi in Ojul Parish, Awei Sub-County, Alebtong District, told our reporter that he feels unprepared to cast his ballot correctly. This will be Obonyo’s first time participating in the elections, and without voter education, he fears he may end up casting an invalid vote.
Sharon Awor, a resident of Ogot Village, Otara Parish, Aromo Sub-County in Lira District, shared similar concerns. Like Obonyo, she is a first-time voter and says the little information she has picked is informal, leaving her worried that a simple mistake could invalidate her vote.
Grace Akullu from Akia Cell, Akia Ward in Lira City East Division, says first-time voters and the elderly are the most affected during elections. Drawing from her experience voting since the Obote regime, Akullu noted that first-time voters often lack confidence, which leads to errors during voting.She warned that without proper EC-led voter education, more ballots risk being invalidated, saying this “will shut down the voice of people who cast their votes since their votes won’t be counted.
”Akullu also raised concern about the risk of undue influence on vulnerable voters by polling assistants.“For older persons and first-time voters, they might consult the polling assistant, but these people may tick different candidates of their choice apart from the interest of the people who asked for assistance from them.”
Robert Okello, a resident of Lira City West Division, says that even as polling day draws closer, many voters—including himself—remain uninformed. Okello says he is relying on his previous voting experience, hoping that voting procedures have not changed.
”However, Aggrey James Ipeto, the Returning Officer for Lira City, assured voters that measures are in place to address the concerns, including voter education on polling day.
Ipeto clarified that there are only two voting methods: ticking with a pen or thumb-printing using the ink pads provided by the Electoral Commission.
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