The FDC party in Uganda plans to legally contest the Kawempe North by-election results due to reported irregularities and violence, while the ruling NRM also calls for a forensic audit of the election. FDC claims inaccuracies in vote representation and criticizes the Electoral Commission for the circumstances surrounding the poll.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party in Uganda has vowed to contest the results of the recent Kawempe North by-election in court, alleging irregularities. The winning candidate from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Naukoola Luyimbazi, secured 17,764 votes, while FDC’s candidate, Sadat Mukiibi, received only 239 votes. The election was marred by violence, with several journalists assaulted by security personnel while covering the polls.
FDC Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat expressed concerns that the election results did not accurately represent the party’s support within the constituency, stating, “The results can never be a reflection of our strength in the division.” He indicated that the FDC would seek to recover costs associated with the by-election and emphasized the responsibility of the Electoral Commission, declaring, “We will sue the Electoral Commission because they failed to take responsibility.”
Reports indicate that at least 15 polling stations had their results excluded from the final count, including the station where Mukiibi voted. The FDC attributed its poor performance to heavy security presence, suggesting it had created an intimidating atmosphere for their supporters. They also demanded compensation for journalists who were injured or had their equipment confiscated during the election.
In parallel, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has also voiced dissatisfaction with the election results, calling for a forensic audit to review the voting process. NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong claimed the party lost the seat unfairly and remarked on the need for investigations involving the NUP, NRM, security forces, and the Electoral Commission. As of now, the NRMs have not formalized any legal actions regarding the results, despite expressing their intentions to do so.
The FDC party intends to challenge the outcomes of the Kawempe North by-election in court, citing alleged irregularities and a violent electoral environment. Issues raised include significant discrepancies in votes, assaults on journalists, and the perceived responsibility of the electoral authorities. Concurrently, the ruling NRM party also expresses discontent and seeks an audit of the election process. The unfolding situation highlights the ongoing political tensions in Uganda’s electoral landscape.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
