Votes Being Counted in Uganda Election Amid Opposition Allegations of Rigging
Votes are currently being counted across Uganda following presidential and parliamentary elections marked by significant delays and allegations of rigging by the opposition.
– Election Context:
– A national internet shutdown has fueled opposition claims of electoral fraud.
– Presidential candidate Bobi Wine accused the government of massive ballot-stuffing on social media, though he has not provided concrete evidence for these allegations.
– Authorities have yet to respond to accusations concerning the abduction and intimidation of polling agents from Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) party.
– Delays and Technical Issues:
– Many voters experienced delays of up to four hours because of malfunctioning biometric machines, which verify voter identities.
– Other issues included the late arrival of voting materials, leading to extended polling hours.
– The electoral commission stated that anyone in line by 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT) would still be allowed to vote, despite the complications.
– Voter Frustration:
– Frustrated voters expressed their dissatisfaction with the process. One voter from Kampala noted, I’m angry because I have not voted up to now, highlighting the confusion and delays in the system.
– Turnout and Results:
– The electoral commission anticipates announcing presidential results by 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Saturday, though turnout data remains undisclosed.
– Observers worry that the prolonged delays may have deterred some voters from exercising their rights.
– Candidates and Campaign Dynamics:
– Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, aged 81 and in power since 1986, aims for a seventh consecutive term against the youthful and popular Bobi Wine, age 43.
– The election is primarily a contest between these two candidates, with analysts suggesting Museveni is likely to extend his reign, having won six previous elections.
– While Wine campaigns on promises to combat corruption and implement reforms, Museveni claims to be the sole protector of stability in Uganda.
– Opposition Challenges:
– The campaign period saw significant disruption of opposition activities, with security forces accused of escalating violence against Wine’s supporters.
– Internet access was suspended just before the election, a move criticized by the UN’s human rights office as deeply worrying. The NUP has countered this effort by launching an offline vote-monitoring app designed to circumvent such restrictions.
– Social Context and Concerns:
– With the majority of Uganda’s population under 30, economic issues, including job availability and infrastructure, are at the forefront of voters’ minds.
– Recent reports indicate that many young people struggle to find work, despite rising average incomes and ongoing concerns about access to quality education and healthcare.
– Safety and Threats:
– The head of Uganda’s electoral body has reportedly received threats concerning the declaration of election results, further heightening tensions surrounding the election process.
As the votes are counted in Uganda, the atmosphere remains charged with uncertainty and allegations of misconduct. Will the 81-year-old president secure another term, or will the opposition’s demands for transparency and change resonate with a population yearning for reform?