UGANDA'S FLAWED ELECTIONS: Commonwealth observers give their verdict

18. If this election has in a sense been a striving for the impossible, the degree to which it has succeeded must primarily be attributed to the people of Uganda. The remarkably high turnout of voters, their enthusiastic but orderly behaviour, and their palpable wish to be masters of their destiny constitute a great act of affirmation in the democratic process.

19. The Group as a whole is continuing to monitor the count and our final view must be contingent on how it is conducted and how ballot boxes were stored overnight. At this stage, however, despite the imperfections and deficiencies to which we have drawn attention, and subject to the concern expressed on the question of nominations and unopposed returns, we believe this has been a valid electoral exercise which should broadly reflect the freely expressed choice of the people of Uganda.