FDC defers decision on fresh party elections

By Umaru Kashaka       

A meeting of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) governing organ to decide whether to hold or not another party presidential poll next year has been postponed to September.

Party Secretary General, Alice Alaso, has revealed.

 “The committee has not yet finalized its discussion and the party cannot therefore, pronounce itself on this matter when discussions are still on-going,” Also said.

The party’s truth and reconciliation committee had recommended a repeat of presidential polls in 2014 in order to solve quarrels that arose after the hotly contested election last year which brought Gen. Muntu to office when Dr. Kiiza Besigye decided to cut short his term.

The ensuing contest, characterized by mudslinging among contestants and senior party officials supporting different camps, divided the party, with Nandala Mafabi’s camp calling for the resignation of Alaso, whom they accused of siding with Muntu.

The Nandala camp also faulted Muntu for using disparaging language in the heat of the campaigns – allegedly referring to Nandala as a “hypocrite and platoon commander.”

The move which is aimed at promoting party democracy and help synchronize the term of party president with those of other party positions, is seen by some as a make-or-break issue within FDC.

Alaso described a recommendation for fresh elections as “financially untenable and politically suicidal” warning that the party risks inflicting damage on itself by redoing the elections instead of carrying out countrywide mobilization ahead of 2016 general polls.

“The process of conducting fresh polls is complicated. We would need to conduct five delegates’ conferences before we think of conducting fresh presidential polls,” Alaso said.

The FDC constitution provides for a five-year term for the party president and deputies as well as four years for the rest of the party positions.

Although the FDC national council allowed Besigye to cut short his term, which began in February 2014, the other offices expired early this year, together with the national delegate’s conference.

During his interface with the commission, Dr. Besigye, called for fresh party polls in 2014, saying the party president is hanging without supporting institutions.