EC should ensure sanity in this election

What you need to know:

  • The Force should use alternative means discouraging people from participating violent protests. However, security agencies should be cognisant of the fact that peaceful demonstrations and protests are guaranteed by the national Constitution. 

Hardly a month since the Electoral Commission (EC) chairman flagged off campaigns in General Election next year, chaos, mayhem, intimidation and blackmail, especially directed against the Opposition,  have marred the entire campaign process. Yet unless we hold a credible election, the EC will be blamed for driving the country into  turmoil that will not only affect us, but also many generations to come.

A case in point  is the uncalled for deaths of more than 50 Ugandans last week during protests against the arrest of presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi.  Had the EC acted cautiously and competently, we would have avoided  these deaths. Why did the EC turn a blind eye to the two-day incarceration of prominent Opposition presidential candidate. Even a single hour of imprisonment of such a candidate has the potential to spark unrest!

The apparent partiality the EC is exhibiting whether deliberately or otherwise, is a recipe for disaster.  If it is about breaking the Covid-19 guidelines, all presidential candidates and their supporters have done the same. So why do you allow only one presidential candidate to be arrested? What was the essence of the arrest. 

Fairness is a fundamental principle in any election, and lack of it as we are witnessing this election, is uncalled for . For allowing this things to happen, the EC is inadvertently creating an unnecessary tension, which attracts anxiety and anger among the public. 

 Physical and psychological harassment/torture is being orchestrated on the innocent electorates and Opposition political leaders. 
There is unspeakable intimidation and animosity by Opposition supporters against those NRM in some areas. Why should one be tortured for what he or she politically believes in? Is this a democratic election we speak about? 

Unless the EC takes charge of the election process and starts to put their act together, the situation may not improve. This election needs a referee who is sanitised. We do not want anyone to think that the EC is playing double standards.  I am sure even the ruling NRM party wants to participate in a free and fair elections such that when they trounce their opponents in the Opposition, no one should raise excuses.  The police and sister security agencies, should minimise the lobbing of teargas, stop firing live bullets and beating up people to disperse protesters.  

The Force should use alternative means discouraging people from participating violent protests. However, security agencies should be cognisant of the fact that peaceful demonstrations and protests are guaranteed by the national Constitution. 
The crème de la crème from either side of the politcal divide should condemn all forms of violence. What the country requires today regardless of one’s religion, party, sex is a meaningful peaceful election.

Edwin Maso Mwasame,
[email protected]