REVISED ELECTORAL ROAD MAP: BUSHENYI CIVIL SOCIETY, POLITICIANS VOW TO CHALLENGE THE MOVE

By Domisiano Ayebare

www.mknewslink.com

In Bushenyi

Following the release of the revised 2020/2021 elections road map by the electoral commission (EC) in Uganda, public have expressed different reactions on how the forthcoming general elections will be conducted.

The chairman Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama yesterday noted that unlike previous days, this year’s campaign will be done scientifically following corona virus outbreak in March.

The EC boss banned all mass rallies and said that candidatures vying different posts will campaign through social media, radios, Television and other media platforms in order to observe social distancing and overcrowding which can put to high risk of corona virus spread in the country.

“Mass rallies will not be allowed but campaigns will be conducted mainly through media.”

Apollo Lee Kakonge the executive director western Ankole Civil Society Forum (WASCOF) said that they are ready to challenge the move noting that it largely affects the moral of democracy.

Kakonge thus appealed to the parliament to sit and debate on this revised road map.

He added that electronic campaigns are expensive in nature.

Elly Muhwezi, programs director of Uganda citizen’s alliance said it is worrying for an independent body like electoral commission to come up and organise elections in the country without civic education, voters education and mobilisation.

Elly says that this election according to the revised road map, will only favour the incumbent ahead of the opposition.

He added that many families can’t afford to own television set or radios noting that scientific campaign will curtail the fundamental rights of Ugandans.

MP hopeful for Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality Chris Muganzi expressed dissatisfaction with electoral commission giving them less time for campaigns and verification of papers  .

He notes that media platforms are not enough citing that the whole of western region has one Television and few radio stations which according to him will not provide for all candidates.

Muganzi adds that most of media houses in Uganda are owned by politicians and wonders on how opponents will be given enough space to express themselves.

He thus called for re-revision of the road map in order to have a free and fair election.

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