Individuals can stand for polls
Aug 07, 2005
PARLIAMENT on Friday retained an amendment in the Constitutional Amendment Bill that allows individuals to stand as independent candidates not fielded by a political party.
By Josephine Maseruka
and Apollo Mubiru
PARLIAMENT on Friday retained an amendment in the Constitutional Amendment Bill that allows individuals to stand as independent candidates not fielded by a political party.
Dr. Kidhu Makubuya, the Attorney general, wanted the clause 21(b) in the Constitution Amendment Bill 2005 deleted from the Bill. The ministers backed Makubuya.
The clause states, “Any person is free to stand for election as a candidate, independent of a political organisation or political party.â€
Makubuya said if deleted, it would give the multiparty political system a firm foundation, reduce the risk of undermining the multiparty system and support party and organisational discipline. He added that it would also promote party and organisational loyalty and reduce political instability and confusion.
Jacob Oulanyah, the chairperson of the legal committee, said the committee had suggested retention of the clause.
Ninety six MPs supported the retention of the clause while Peter Claver Mutuluza (Mawokota North) abstained.
Parliament also passed Clause 20 (a) of the Constitution Amendment Bill that allows parliament to create a code of conduct for political organisations and political parties and to establish a national Consultative Forum.
Miria Matembe (Mbarara) moved an amendment to delete the last part of the clause on the resolution of disputes among political parties and political organisations.
The House passed Matembe’s amendment overwhelmingly.
and Apollo Mubiru
PARLIAMENT on Friday retained an amendment in the Constitutional Amendment Bill that allows individuals to stand as independent candidates not fielded by a political party.
Dr. Kidhu Makubuya, the Attorney general, wanted the clause 21(b) in the Constitution Amendment Bill 2005 deleted from the Bill. The ministers backed Makubuya.
The clause states, “Any person is free to stand for election as a candidate, independent of a political organisation or political party.â€
Makubuya said if deleted, it would give the multiparty political system a firm foundation, reduce the risk of undermining the multiparty system and support party and organisational discipline. He added that it would also promote party and organisational loyalty and reduce political instability and confusion.
Jacob Oulanyah, the chairperson of the legal committee, said the committee had suggested retention of the clause.
Ninety six MPs supported the retention of the clause while Peter Claver Mutuluza (Mawokota North) abstained.
Parliament also passed Clause 20 (a) of the Constitution Amendment Bill that allows parliament to create a code of conduct for political organisations and political parties and to establish a national Consultative Forum.
Miria Matembe (Mbarara) moved an amendment to delete the last part of the clause on the resolution of disputes among political parties and political organisations.
The House passed Matembe’s amendment overwhelmingly.