Voting was suspended at 17 polling stations in Lira City West Division after the Electoral Commission identified errors on ballot papers, where candidate photographs were incorrectly arranged.
The problem occurred during elections for the third female city councillor seat in Junior Quarters, a race involving five candidates: Agnes Adong (Independent), Lydia Akello (UPC), Harriet Apili (Independent), Stella Asio Iwacha (Independent), and Zena Apio Opoloit.
Lira City Returning Officer James Aggrey Ipeto said the irregularity was detected on Thursday, January 22, prompting an immediate halt to voting in the affected wards.
He stated that the Electoral Commission was informed and will announce a new voting date once corrected ballot papers are prepared. In total, five wards and 17 polling stations were impacted.
Ipeto added that polling in other parts of Lira City continued without disruption and remained calm, though turnout was lower than expected.
The Electoral Commission will communicate further guidance after completing the necessary corrections.
