By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Electoral Commission has asked foreign missions and agencies, local and international organisations willing to partake in monitoring of the next year’s general elections to send applications and particulars of individuals sent by their organizations to partake this exercise.
EC chairperson, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama said electoral observers are crucial to having a free and fair election, noting that the commission does not operate singlehandly, asking whoever wants to observe these elections to apply.
“Accordingly, for transparency purposes, the EC will accredit international and local observers to observe the various activities undertaken during the electoral process,” Byabakama said.
“The commission, therefore invites expression of interest from individuals duly registered national organisations and institutions, who wish to observe this process,” he added.
Byabakama gave the invitation during a press briefing on the commencement of the display of national voters’ register at EC Headquarters, 7th street, Kampala on Friday.
Electoral observers are useful in ensuring transparency, democratization of elections and assessing the country’s pre-election situation in-light of the international standards, among others.
Section 16(1) of the EC Act Cap 176, provides for the accreditation of representatives of political parties, civil society organizations, and any duly registered institutions or individuals to observe electoral activities.
Application willing to monitor the elections are required to submit their applications to the office of the chairperson, through the commission’s online application system accessible at www.ec.or.ug/accreditation .
However, invitation to regional and international organisations including diplomatic missions and agencies will according to Byabakama be channeled through the ministry of foreign affairs. Political parties and organisations participating in the elections have also been urged to appoint agents to observe the electoral activities.
“Applicants should provide evidence to; prove that governance is a key aspect of their activities, demonstrate a track record of credibility, demonstrate neutrality in the electoral process, and show the ability to submit timely written observation reports,” Byabakama emphasized.
When approved, the commission emphasized, “successful applicants will be required to abide by the laws of the Republic of Uganda, comply with election observer guidelines and code of conduct to be issued by the EC, provide the commission with names of the individuals to be accredited (organisations and institutions), meet all their operation expenses, and submit a report at the end of the election exercise.”
In the 2021 presidential elections, many local and international observers were prevented from monitoring the election over alleged politically trumped reasons only known to the government and the Electoral Commission.
The US mission in Uganda reported that 75 percent of its accreditation requests were denied, prompting it to cancel its observation of the vote.
A report by the over 2,000 observers under the Africa Elections Watch coalition deployed in over 146 districts, reported late openings in most of the polling stations , illegally opened ballot boxes, ballot stuffing, arrests of 26 members of civil society groups who were observing the election, electoral violence and other irregularities.
Official results by the Byabakama’s commission declared Museveni with 5.8 million votes, equivalent to 59 percent of the total vote, while opposition leader and first time presidential candidate, ghetto gladiator, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Nobi Wine was put in the second position after receiving 3.4 million votes (app. 34 percent). The election results were however, largely rejected by the opposition candidates and election observers who questioned the validity and transparency of the entire electoral processes.
Nevertheless, Byabakama maintains that the observers will ensure transparency, free and fair elections, assuring them of corporation and safety.
While the chief commissioner asked the interested organisations to apply, the deadline for application was not communicated.
