DP for coalition

By Josephine Maseruka Some top Democratic Party (DP) officials have said they are closely working with other political parties to field one candidate for the forthcoming presidential elections. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday at the party headquarters, Damiano Lubega, the organizing secretary said, "We are working around the clock with other political parties but a decision has not been reached." Lubega, flanked by the party treasurer, John Ssebaana Kizito, Henry Ssewanyana and Mike Kaggwa, added, "We are not forcing this coordination but we shall strongly support it." He was reacting to a question relating to comments by presidential aspirant Muhammad Kibirige Mayanja who reportedly said he was in consultation with other political parties to work out ways of fielding one candidate. Lubega said the delegates conference was not the only way presidential candidates would be selected "because there is the provision of contesting on individual merit." "Dr. Paul Ssemwogerere stood in 1996 and there was no meeting to bless him. Later on, we re-grouped as DP and supported him," Lubega said. He said DP believes in human rights and "it cannot suppress anyone wishing to contest on individual merit. But we can still sit and sort ourselves out." He, however, said whereas many candidates from the same group can weaken its chances to win, it can be a strong point in that if the best two candidates do not get 51% then there must be a re-run. Ends.