As the 2026 general elections draw closer, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is considering the introduction of smart voter cards to modernize its internal voting system.
Currently, NRM primaries are conducted using paper ballots, where voters tick the name and photo of their chosen candidate before placing the ballot in a box for manual counting. However, this system has faced criticism for enabling electoral malpractice, including multiple voting, often attributed to influential party figures manipulating the process in their favor.
This traditional approach has led to growing internal conflicts and dissatisfaction, prompting some members to abandon the party and contest as independents.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
To address these issues, the party is exploring the adoption of a smart voting system designed to enhance transparency, credibility, and efficiency in its internal elections.
Although still in its early stages, the proposal for smart card voting has gained support within the party. Sources say technical discussions are ongoing between the developers and the party’s secretariat to finalize the features of the application.
With party primaries set to begin in July, time is of the essence. Developers are under pressure to finalize the system in time, pending formal approval by the Central Executive Committee.
Insiders reveal that talks have already reached the Office of the President and the NRM Secretariat, with meetings underway to assess the feasibility of the new technology.
The proposed smart card will incorporate biometric verification and other security features, linking directly to the NRM’s central database to ensure that each member votes only once.
Polling agents will be equipped with smartphones to scan the cards, verifying voter identity and preventing duplicate voting.
Pending final approval, the NRM leadership has begun consultations with technology experts to develop a system capable of eliminating the electoral malpractices that have plagued past primaries.
Party officials say the public should expect a significant investment in digital solutions to enhance the credibility and quality of future NRM elections.
Also Read: Authorities Launch Investigations as Anthrax Kills Two in Kazo
