EC Needs to Do a Better Job.

(From The Monitor (Uganda) - AAGM)

Byline: Emmanuel Gyezaho

Uganda has had three general elections under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni. Mr Museveni appointed Mr Stephen Akabwai, Mr Aziz Kasuja and Dr Badru Kiggundu to chair the Electoral Commission in 1996, 2001 and 2006 respectively. Emmanuel Gyezaho spoke to Prof. Ogenga Latigo, MP for Agago in Gulu, and Mr Francis Babu, MP for Kampala Central,

to seek their views on how they rate the different commissions.

What significant variations in terms of organisation and conduct can you point out between the presidential elections of 1996, 2001 and 2006?

Latigo: The organisation of the elections deteriorated right after the Constituent Assembly (CA). The CA election was very well organised. The 1996 election was also very well organised. The 2001 election deteriorated to some extent in organisation and delivery of the required materials and in 2006, it was crazy.

Babu: The change is very little because you see the Electoral Commission had a framework in 1996, they thought that structure was still strong enough. Over the years that structure has changed and there is an erosion on people's morals and character. They do not understand that you must have a fair election. So people sometimes take advantage of that. They break the law and do all things. But the EC is working as if it's in heaven where nothing happens. What they are dealing with are some very interesting characters who will do anything to make sure they win the elections and that is where the problem …