KAMPALA, Feb. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- At least seven people have been arrested in eastern Uganda for violating Thursday's general elections.

    The District Police Commander Chris Barugahare was quoted by the Uganda state radio as saying that the suspects, who were all supporters of the opposition Forum for Democratic Changes (FDC) party, were at various polling stations inciting voters to cause violence and vote only for FDC.

    Ugandans went to polls Thursday morning in the country's first multiparty elections in 20 years to choose a president and membersof parliament.

    Some violent voters destroyed several ballot papers at a polling station in Lunyo sub-county, Barugahare added.

    However, voting started as scheduled in the area, with a relatively low turnout in the morning in some polling stations, but improved in the afternoon especially in Busia Town Council.

    Five candidates have contested in the presidential elections. Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni is favorite to win the ballot,with Kizza Besigye of the FDC as his top challenger.

    Uganda's Electoral Commission (EC) has registered 10.4 million voters for this first multiparty general elections since multiparty politics was banned in the country 20 years ago.

    The government has already declared Thursday a public holiday and security has been tightened to ensure a smooth and peaceful election. Enditem