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Security stepped up as Uganda counts votes in historic election

 

Vote counting is under way at some polling stations in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
An increased presence of security force members was seen in about the last hour before polls closed at 13:00 GMT.
Lorries carrying soldiers drove through the city, while police and local defence units were also seen patrolling.
In some areas, voting is continuing. Election regulations state that people in queues can vote after the official closing time.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for 35 years, is seeking re-election.
The 76-year-old faces 10 challengers, most notably Bobi Wine, the 38-year-old pop star-turned politician.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Uganda’s electoral commission, Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, has hailed the fiercely contested presidential and parliamentary as a success.
At a news conference in the capital Kampala, he said Ugandans had turned up in large numbers and voted peacefully in spite of the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier ballot boxes arrived late at polling stations and biometric voter verification machines failed. But Mr Byabakama said these were just isolated incidents.
The main opposition candidate, Bobi Wine, said some of his polling agents had been arrested.
He’s challenging the incumbent, Yoweri Museveni who’s been in power for nearly 35 years.
Mr Museveni said he would accept the result if there were no irregularities.

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