Uganda's opposition calls for electoral reform

Friday, 15 May 2009

Uganda's opposition parties are demanding reforms in the electoral commission as the country prepares for the presidential polls in 2011.

The statement presented to parliament yesterday by Forum for Democratic Change president, Kizza Besigye, suggests major facelifts in the way elections are conducted, the announcement of winners, while also calling for the reinstatement of the presidential term limits.

Parliament abolished a constitutional limit on presidential terms in 2005, paving the way for Yoweri Museveni to seek a third elected term and alarming some Western donors.

The opposition parties also want to be involved in the appointment the Electoral Commission members in order make the commission more independent. Currently, the selection of commissioners is solemnly vested in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) with approval of parliament.

Dr Besigye said an independent and impartial Electoral Commission is central to holding free and fair elections.

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