NGOs slam open voting

Mar 22, 2005

A consortium of over 82 NGOs have opposed a motion seeking to amend the rules of procedures of parliament to scrap secret voting.

By Apollo Mubiru

A consortium of over 82 NGOs have opposed a motion seeking to amend the rules of procedures of parliament to scrap secret voting.

The NGOs under the umbrella organisation, Coalition on constitutional Reforms (CCR), yesterday told the parliamentary committee on rules, discipline and privileges that the timing of the motion made it suspect.

Martin Masiga, the national coordinator of Human Rights Network Uganda, led the delegation.

He said the government was trying to monitor and identify the way MPs have voted to create an intimidating atmosphere.

He said, “The Kisanja money is not news any more. The legal committee was given more money last week. We do not believe that open voting will enhance the free will of MPs. The motion is viewed as and in fact is intended to coerce and intimidate MPs to vote for the lifting of the presidential term limits.”

Kasanda south MP Nyombi Thembo last year moved a motion to scrap secret voting from Parliament.

Masiga said open voting will not only infringe on the right to privacy of MPs but will also compromise their ability to make decisions based on their conscience.

CCR said constitutional amendments were so important that they must not be treated like an amendment of an ordinary act of parliament.

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