Opposition not fielding joint candidates in by elections
Jan 11, 2010
THE Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) will not field joint candidates in the Budiope and Mbale municipality by elections. The IPC plans joint candidates for the 2011 presidential and parliamentary elections, according to the president, Miria Obote.
By Henry Mukasa
THE Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) will not field joint candidates in the Budiope and Mbale municipality by elections. The IPC plans joint candidates for the 2011 presidential and parliamentary elections, according to the president, Miria Obote.
She said opposition parties that are not fielding candidates in the by elections were free to canvass for support for those in the race.
The IPC that includes the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Justice Forum and Conservative Party (CP) had last month announced that it would not take part in any activities organised by what it called a “discredited†Electoral Commission.
The nominations for the Budiope by elections took place on January 6 and 7, and five candidates were cleared.
They are Moses Bigirwa (DP), Dr. Dominic Wakabi (FDC), Sulaiman Kirunda Balyejjusa (NRM), Mustapha Kalwaza (Independent) and Shaban Mugweri (Independent).
The two seats fell vacant after the death of Henry Balikoowa (Budiope) on December 1, and the resignation of Wilfred Kajeke (Mbale Municipality) on December 20, last year.
Obote, the Uganda People’s Congress president, explained that joint candidates have been delayed by the fact that most opposition political parties have not yet held delegates conferences to determine flag-bearers.
“After the delegates conferences, we will be ready for joint candidates in the general elections,†Obote said in an interview yesterday.
She called on opposition parties to unite by showing solidarity for each other.
THE Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) will not field joint candidates in the Budiope and Mbale municipality by elections. The IPC plans joint candidates for the 2011 presidential and parliamentary elections, according to the president, Miria Obote.
She said opposition parties that are not fielding candidates in the by elections were free to canvass for support for those in the race.
The IPC that includes the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Justice Forum and Conservative Party (CP) had last month announced that it would not take part in any activities organised by what it called a “discredited†Electoral Commission.
The nominations for the Budiope by elections took place on January 6 and 7, and five candidates were cleared.
They are Moses Bigirwa (DP), Dr. Dominic Wakabi (FDC), Sulaiman Kirunda Balyejjusa (NRM), Mustapha Kalwaza (Independent) and Shaban Mugweri (Independent).
The two seats fell vacant after the death of Henry Balikoowa (Budiope) on December 1, and the resignation of Wilfred Kajeke (Mbale Municipality) on December 20, last year.
Obote, the Uganda People’s Congress president, explained that joint candidates have been delayed by the fact that most opposition political parties have not yet held delegates conferences to determine flag-bearers.
“After the delegates conferences, we will be ready for joint candidates in the general elections,†Obote said in an interview yesterday.
She called on opposition parties to unite by showing solidarity for each other.