UK against boycott of referendum
Jul 08, 2005
The British government has asked Ugandan opposition politicians not to boycott the referendum on the change of political system.
By Felix Osike
The British government has asked Ugandan opposition politicians not to boycott the referendum on the change of political system.
Minister for Trade Ian Pearson told the House of Commons on Tuesday that Britain was concerned about threats by opposition politicians to boycott the July 28 referendum.
He said the British High Commission officials in Kampala have frequently highlighted, in discussions with Ugandan authorities, Britain’s concern about the monetary and time costs of the referendum in relation to alternative options.
“However, following the Government of Uganda’s decision to hold a referendum, we have consistently urged all opposition parties, including the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), to take part, most recently in a meeting on June 24. We are concerned that their decision to boycott the referendum risks undermining the democratic process and will continue to press them to reverse this decision,†Pearson said.
The British government has asked Ugandan opposition politicians not to boycott the referendum on the change of political system.
Minister for Trade Ian Pearson told the House of Commons on Tuesday that Britain was concerned about threats by opposition politicians to boycott the July 28 referendum.
He said the British High Commission officials in Kampala have frequently highlighted, in discussions with Ugandan authorities, Britain’s concern about the monetary and time costs of the referendum in relation to alternative options.
“However, following the Government of Uganda’s decision to hold a referendum, we have consistently urged all opposition parties, including the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), to take part, most recently in a meeting on June 24. We are concerned that their decision to boycott the referendum risks undermining the democratic process and will continue to press them to reverse this decision,†Pearson said.