Uganda Election Chief Faces Threats Over Results Declaration
The head of Uganda’s Electoral Commission, Simon Byabakama, has reported receiving threats regarding the declaration of presidential election results. Despite these intimidation attempts, Byabakama emphasizes that the voters, not threats, will drive the outcome of the election.
Key Points
– Threats Context: Byabakama stated he received direct threats warning him against declaring certain candidates as winners in the upcoming election.
– Defiant Stance: He vowed not to be intimidated, dismissing the threats from unnamed senior state officials. In response to a viral video in which a presidential assistant claimed that opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, would never be declared president, Byabakama responded firmly: I am not in the business of donating votes.
– Current Election Landscape:
– Candidates: President Yoweri Museveni, aged 81 and in power for nearly four decades, is seeking a seventh term. Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician, is his main opponent.
– Voter Registration: Approximately 21.6 million voters are registered to participate in this election.
– Political Climate: The lead-up to the election has seen significant disruptions, including police crackdowns on opposition rallies and the detention of activists.
– Fearlessness in Process: During a briefing at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, Byabakama asserted that fear has no place in his approach. He stated, “The will of the voters and the law will guide the process.”
– Assurances of Fairness: Byabakama reiterated that Uganda’s laws dictate the election results. The law states that the candidate who receives more than 50% plus one of total valid votes cast becomes the president of Uganda, he noted. He promised that the official results will be declared within 48 hours of polling closing.
– Security Presence: Responding to concerns about a heavy military presence in urban areas, Byabakama clarified that security forces are there to uphold peace and should not intimidate voters. However, he acknowledged complaints regarding polling stations located within military premises, confirming that the commission is investigating these reports.
– Internet and Mobile Restrictions: Ahead of the elections, authorities have restricted internet access and mobile services nationwide to combat misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and related risks. The UN human rights office has deemed these network outages deeply worrying, raising alarms about potential repression.
Conclusion
As Uganda approaches this contentious election, Simon Byabakama’s commitment to a transparent electoral process will be crucial. His determination to follow the law and prioritize voter will remain a focal point amid a landscape marked by intimidation and control. The nation’s youth, represented by candidates like Bobi Wine, may greatly influence whether Uganda sees a change in leadership or if Museveni will continue his lengthy reign. The impending results declaration will not only define the future of Ugandan politics but also test the resilience of its democratic processes.