Rights body calls for parties

Nov 24, 2000

THE Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) chief, Livingstone Sewanyana, has called for full return to multiparty politics and the quick enactment

THE Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) chief, Livingstone Sewanyana, has called for full return to multiparty politics and the quick enactment of the Political Organisation and Presidential Elections Bills to enable campaigns start on time, reports John Eremu. Sewanyana, fresh from a one-year course in Britain, told journalists at Speke Hotel on Wednesday that delayed enactment of the laws favoured the incumbent president who can canvass for support wherever he wants. While denying the foundation supports a specific candidate, Sewanyana said they no longer ascribe to Article 269 of the 1995 Constitution and will not be party to any laws that hinder political party activities. "The foundation will henceforth work for the promotion of political party activities. Therefore, we shall not be party to any Political Organisation Bill that has fetters on political party activities," Sewanyana said. Flanked by the coordinator for human rights monitoring and documentation project, Ms. Denise Lifton and other officials, Sewanyana said for the first time since its establishment in 1991, FHRI will participate in election monitoring and will not compromise on any irregularities. Lifton said the Political Organisations Bill should be quickly enacted and Article 269 which restricts party activities to their headquarters should be repealed to allow freedom of association. "Unless the Political organisations bill is enacted, we feel presidential elections will not be held on an equitable basis," Lifton said. Ends.

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