The Electoral Commission (EC) has revised its electoral roadmap, bringing forward the nomination dates for presidential candidates ahead of the January 2026 General Elections.
Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the EC, announced that presidential nominations will now take place between September 23 and 24, 2025.
He said the adjustment was necessary to ensure sufficient time for post-nomination activities and effective campaign planning.
Justice Byabakama explained that these activities include capturing of presidential nomination returns, production of ballot paper samples, formalization of the campaign programme, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by all nominated candidates.
Presidential campaigns are now scheduled to run from October 4, 2025 to January 12, 2026.
The EC Chairperson noted that maintaining the initial timeline would have squeezed the official campaign period.
Nominations for Local Government and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) will be conducted from September 3 to September 12, 2025, with exact dates to follow after the nomination process.
Parliamentary nominations are set for September 16 to 17, 2025, with campaigns starting September 23, 2025, and running concurrently with the presidential campaigns until January 12, 2026.
The actual voting period for President, Members of Parliament, and Local Government Councils including districts, municipalities, and sub-counties will take place between January 12 and February 9, 2026, with specific polling dates to be announced following the conclusion of nominations.
By Alex Magala
18th July 2025
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