Mayoral candidates call for demo over elections

Kampala

Five candidates in the Kampala mayoral race yesterday called for mass demonstration over alleged bias by the Electoral Commission.

In a joint press conference held in Kampala, the candidates described the EC as a dormant body that has failed to reorganise a free and fair mayoral election since no culprit of the previous violence has been arrested. “We have now resolved to involve the public because the EC has proved to be adamant. All the hooligans who were involved in the previous elections are walking free and there is no sign that things will be any better,” Mr Michael Mabikke, one of the aggrieved said.

The February 23 mayoral elections were called off after reports of massive ballot stuffing, intimidation and violence which left several candidates’ supporters injured and hospitalized. Mr Mabikke added: “The demonstration is slated for Wednesday, we shall march from the Railway Grounds with religious leaders up to the Clock Tower where we shall have a joint rally.”

To block polls
The developments come days after EC ordered fresh polls to be held on March 14. The candidates also threatened to block the elections through the court if no convincing action is taken. Ms Sandra Ngabo Katebaliwe said it was their right to express discontent over the increasing elections malpractices and challenged President Museveni to rein in the culprits before massive demonstrations take place. “We shall go not to the bush like him (Mr Museveni). We shall use the masses to express our dissatisfaction,” she said, adding, “They seem to be defending a particular candidate”. Independent candidate Francis Babu said the EC should disqualify Mr Peter Ssematimba (NRM ) from the race for allegedly messing up the February 23 polls.

The candidates also want compensation from the EC amounting to Shs60 million each for the time and money lost due to cancellation of the elections. But sources said only four of the candidates put forward the idea of compensation. “The commission said they had messed their own election and couldn’t be held responsible for the mess,” said the source who preferred anonymity. The candidates also said they had not been consulted when a new election date was being set, adding that they also want the EC to change presiding officers.

Demands rejected
Sources within the EC told this newspaper that the EC only agreed to change the presiding officers because they are helping police with investigations into the February 23 violence. The EC reportedly rejected all other demands.
They have called for another meeting today since the one held on Friday hit a deadlock.

The candidates also wanted the ballot papers format changed but sources said the EC rejected the proposal. Other candidates in the race are Emanuel Tumusiime of the Forum for integrity in Leadership and Erias Lukwago (Ind).