A staff member displays a ballot at a polling station in Najjera, Wakiso District, Uganda, on Jan. 14, 2021. Vote counting in Uganda's Thursday presidential and parliamentary elections has started with the country's electoral body saying results are expected to be released in 48 hours. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
KAMPALA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Vote counting in Uganda's Thursday presidential and parliamentary elections has started with the country's electoral body saying results are expected to be released in 48 hours.
Polling officials counted the votes one by one as candidates' agents and people witnessed the process.
In the presidential elections, there were 11 candidates including incumbent president Yoweri Museveni who has been in power for over 30 years.
Museveni's main rival, according to opinion polls, is Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, a musician turned politician.
In the parliamentary election, thousands of candidates are vying for the over 520 seats.
"The Electoral Commission is mandated by law to declare presidential election results within 48 hours after closure of polling day," said Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
Security in major towns across the east African country has been beefed up due to anticipated election violence, according to police.
In the capital city Kampala, police and the military were also seen patrolling the streets.
