| Article Published on: 2nd March 2006 |
| Election observers speak |
European Union
The EU Election Observation Mission (EUOEM) found that the electoral process experienced a number of problems, particularly during the campaign period. The campaign of the main opposition presidential candidate, Dr. Kiiza Besigye, was hampered by numerous court appearances.
In addition, electronic state media s
howed
significant bias in favour of the incumbent, President Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Movement. The current President and his party utilised state resources in support of their campaign. Therefore, a level playing field was not in place for these elections.
The mission also believes that it would be wise for the future Parliament to consider re-instituting limits on the number of presidential terms for future presidential elections. Nevertheless, this must be a choice that is made by the newly elected parliamentarians, civil society and the Ugandan people. EU Chief Observer, Max van den Berg.
Coalition for Election Finance Monitoring (CEFIM)
We observer that whereas the elections were conducted in a fairly free atmosphere, they were characterised by a lot of vote buying in contravention of the electoral laws. In addition, there was blatant abuse of
public
resources to include adverts paid by public funds, misuse of government vehicles and engagement of public servants on campaign trails for particular candidates.
The offices of the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), with their personnel were used in partisan political campaigns. The Media Centre, which is a government institution, was perceived to be conducting business in favour of a particular candidate/party.
As a watchdog, CEFIM has identified weaknesses in the electoral laws and calls upon the 8th Parliament in formation to revisit them.
Charles Mubbale, Chairperson, CEFIM.
Charles Mubbale, Chairperson, CEFIM.
Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI)
Notwithstanding the lack of a level playing field during the pre-election period and a heavy military presence on Thursday 23rd February 2006, Ugandans demonstrated an exceptional determination to ex
ercise
their right to vote and turned out in large numbers.
However, the Electoral Commission (EC) did not properly compile and update the voters register, which led to the disenfranchisement of many eligible voters. Denying eligible voters their right to vote negatively affected the process and had a serious bearing on the out come of the election.
Incidents of violence and intimidation were also noted in the districts of Kampala, Mbarara, Soroti, and Gulu. Security personnel in Gulu, Soroti and Tororo attempted to influence voters through intimidation and threats, while soldiers and individuals claiming to be State House operatives intimidated voters in Soroti.
Livingstone Sewanyana, Executive Director, FHRI.
Livingstone Sewanyana, Executive Director, FHRI.
AMANI FORUM
During our mission, we noted that the campaigns were generally conducted peacefully. However, the anxiety,
which
built towards the polling day, resulted into violence particularly in major towns. There was lack of swift response to the violence, leading to some deaths and injuries.
We further noted that all political parties except the NRM that participated in the elections did not have grassroot networks to enable them participate competitively.
We further noted that all political parties except the NRM that participated in the elections did not have grassroot networks to enable them participate competitively.
This was due to the fact that most of these parties had been dormant since 1980 and were only allowed to operate national offices with no significant activity.
Most voters did not have sufficient civic education prior to the elections despite the fact that they are moving away monolithic systems to multi-party.
The presence of security forces is imperative as a way of maintaining law and order. However, over-militarisation of the process by deploying a significantly higher number of security forces, including the army in election period cre
ates
fear among voters.
AMANI Forum concludes that the 2006 elections in Uganda were peaceful and transparent.
Hon. Shumina Mwitila MP Zambia (Chairperson)
Hon. Shumina Mwitila MP Zambia (Chairperson)
Partners for Democratic Governance (PDG)
The PDG notes with satisfaction the discipline and restraint generally displayed by all parties during the polls and urges all concerned to continue to observe the rule of law.
Compiled by Silver Ahimbisibwe
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