Implement poll reforms, CSOs demand
An elderly woman and a man cast their votes in Kampala during the February 2011 general elections. Civil society organisations have demanded that government implements electoral reforms ahead of the 2021 general election so that the country can have a credible exercise. FILE PHOTO
Kampala- Civil society organisations have demanded that government implements electoral reforms ahead of the 2021 general election so that the country can have a credible exercise.
Addressing journalists in Kampala yesterday, Mr Crispy Kaheru, the coordinator of Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU), said it does not add value in organising elections which are not anchored on trusted legal frameworks because they will be challenged.
“It is unfortunate that the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs can make a statement in sheer disregard of advice provided by the Supreme Court and the Speaker of Parliament regarding the need to implement the reforms,” Mr Kaheru said, adding that Ugandans have waited for more than 10 years for the reforms.
In the run up to the 2016 general election, civil society organisations and Opposition political parties traversed the country drumming up support for constitutional reforms to ensure a smooth voting process.
Concerns
They demand change in the method of selection of members of the Electoral Commission. Currently, the President appoints the members.
They also want the requirement for civil servants intending to vie for elective office to resign their jobs to be scrapped.
In 2016 while giving its ruling in the petition that former prime minister Amama Mbabazi had filed challenging Mr Museveni’s victory, the Supreme Court recommended that electoral reforms be carried out within two years of the 10th Parliament to avoid hastily enacted legislation.
Last week, Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Kahinda Otafiire said he cannot be pressured to table the reforms.
He said a lot of work needs to be done before any reforms can be presented.
When asked about their action plan for this year, Mr Richard Ssewakiryanga, the executive director of Uganda National NGO Forum, said they would organise a campaign to rally Ugandans to participate in the national dialogue slated for March.
The dialogue is organised by the Elders’ Forum.
