By Barbara Among

The European Union has warned the Electoral Commission not to waste any more time in the preparation for the 2011 elections.

“I am not satisfied because we are experiencing delays, starting with the electoral legislation in Parliament, delays in procurement and in the mobilisation of money,” said EU ambassador Vincent de Visscher.

“I want to warn everyone that the time is short. The clock is ticking. We have no time to waste to put our act together and deliver a good product.”

De Visscher sounded the warning after a two-hour meeting with the EC chief, Badru Kiggundu, and secretary Sam Rwakoojo.

He said the EU will closely monitor the preparation of the elections. “We want quality, accountability, fairness and objectivity.”

The meeting was called to discuss how the EU can assist the Electoral Commission prepare for the elections. Budgetary issues were also discussed. The EU promised 1.5m euros (sh4b) for the exercise. The EU ambassador urged Parliament to quickly pass the electoral laws. They further discussed access to the media and the need to have a level playing field.

The EU said it was willing to send election observers to Uganda like it did in the 2006 elections, an offer which was welcomed by Kiggundu.

The core of the EU intervention this time will be on helping in voter education, De Visscher added.

“It is crucial that people are aware and prepared for the coming elections. We should use any possible way, using modern communication techniques, to inform voters about their rights and foster debate about the manifestoes of different political parties.”

On demands by the opposition parties that the current leadership of the Electoral Commission be disbanded, the EU ambassador said the commissioners should be judged on the quality of the work they deliver.