Reforms must come before elections – Besigye
Dr Kizza Besigye. PHOTO BY STEPHEN WANDERA
What you need to know:
His view. Dr Besigye and the leadership of FDC were locked in discussions on whether to go for the elections or first pursue electoral reforms. The discussions were expected to continue in TDA. Speaking to NBS TV shortly after being nominated to compete for the TDA flag bearer candidature, Dr Besigye made the following comments on the subject as captured by Saturday Monitor’s Ivan Okuda
The substance of our message is that as Ugandans, we must do all we can to ensure power is returned to us. These electoral reforms were agreed on by Ugandans and as political parties and democracy-seeking forces. We demand that these reforms must be implemented so Ugandans have their power back. The power is in the people of this country.
Mr Museveni, Parliament and judges are exercising delegated power from the people. They are our servants and if they decide to hijack our people and resist these reforms, it means we have to fight back to regain that power. That is the situation we are in. It won’t change whatever happens unless these reforms are implemented to the letter.
Parliament said there is no time for reforms so they should be considered after the election, meaning they want an election which is not free and fair in 2016. Essentially, they are ready to sacrifice this election and have business move on as usual. We are saying no! These reforms must be implemented now.
But as we do that, we continue to organise for the election. I am a candidate as we speak but my issue is that the election must be free and fair. We shall let you know in the near future (what steps we will take).
