Facts on how Election Results Are Transmitted in Uganda: From Polling Station to National Tally Center

A woman casts her ballot.

Understanding how election results move through Uganda’s electoral system is key to ensuring transparency and public trust in the democratic process. From the moment the last ballot is cast to the final announcement of national results, the journey follows a multi-stage transmission process involving physical verification, electronic systems, and multiple oversight layers.

From Polling Station to District Tally Center

The process begins at each polling station immediately after voting concludes. In the presence of candidates’ agents and election observers, polling officials count the votes and record the results. These figures are entered onto official declaration forms, which are then signed by all party agents present to confirm accuracy and mutual agreement.

To promote transparency, a copy of the signed results form is publicly posted at the polling station so voters can immediately see the outcome.

The results are then transmitted to the district tally center. In recent elections, the Electoral Commission has deployed the Electronic Results Transmission and Dissemination System (ERTDS) to send polling station results electronically. This technology is intended to speed up the transmission process, enhance accuracy, and reduce the chances of result tampering.

From District to National Tally Center

At the district tally center, results from all polling stations within the district are aggregated and verified. These district-wide results are again sent electronically to the national tally center, where the Electoral Commission compiles data from all districts across the country.

The national tally center is responsible for compiling, reviewing, and finally declaring the official nationwide results. The use of electronic systems throughout the process aims to increase efficiency, reduce delays, and build public confidence in the electoral outcome.

As Uganda gears up for future elections, continued scrutiny and enhancement of this results transmission process remain vital for safeguarding electoral integrity and democratic legitimacy.