The former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party parliamentary candidate for Aruu North County in Pader district Bernard Onen Okeny Alias Akamba has begun early campaigns ahead of the by-elections whose date is yet to be fixed.
Akamba finished in third position in the February 18, 2016 elections with 4,428 votes.
The seat fell vacant after a February 6th Court of Appeal ruling that nullified the election of Lucy Achiro Otim for non-compliance with electoral laws after Electoral Commission failed to conduct a vote recount. The by election is expected to take place within 60 days after the ruling.
James Kidega Nabinson, the NRM party candidate, who lost to Achiro by two votes, petitioned court for a recount. Achiro, an Independent candidate, had polled 8,599 votes against Kidega's 8,597, according to results released by Pader district returning officer Joseph Amone.
Onen says he embarked on early campaigns to conduct adequate civic education and consultations ahead of official campaigns. Onen says his ambition is to prevent a repeat of the irregularities that led to nullification of the results.
According to Onen, he is using his early campaigns to sensitise the electorates on how the current debate on land in Parliament affects them. Other issues which he says are important include restocking of Aswa Ranch, treatment and care of children suffering from the nodding syndrome, and post-conflict recovery.
While Achiro is yet undecided to contest the by - election, Nabinson Kidega, the NRM candidate says he is well prepared to tussle it out with his former political foes. He said he is not worried to face any candidate no matter how early they start canvassing for votes.
Wilson Oyat Chagga, the FDC spokesperson in Acholi sub region says the entire party apparatus in the sub region will pitch camp in Aruu North to claim victory for Onen.
