Dos and don’ts for observers

Feb 22, 2006

Today’s general elections are unique in that they are the first in Uganda to be organised under a multiparty dispensation since 1980. Polls between 1986 and 2005 were held under the individual merit Movement system of governance.

Today’s general elections are unique in that they are the first in Uganda to be organised under a multiparty dispensation since 1980. Polls between 1986 and 2005 were held under the individual merit Movement system of governance. The Movement system ended in July 2005 after the electorate voted in a referendum to endorse a return to multiparty politics.
The other unique aspect is that the poll will be a three-in-one because on the same day Ugandans will elect a President, the directly elected Member of Parliament and the Woman Member of Parliament. Previously, each of these elections would be conducted on a separate day. We therefore welcome national and international scrutiny of the elections, with a view to enriching the pool of ideas geared towards continuously addressing the challenges of conducting such concurrent elections. This is because we believe that election observers play an important role in the pursuit of democratic elections, apart from enhancing the integrity of electoral processes.
The Electoral Commission (EC) therefore expect observers to objectively look at the elections with a view to ascertaining the fairness and credibility of the process.
Accredited persons and individuals will be expected to look at the various aspects of the elections and come up with a fair judgment. Some of the areas to look at could include observing and verifying the impartiality and legality of decisions taken by the the EC ad its officers, clarity of the register, delivery of polling materials and timely commencement of polling. Other areas are ascertaining people’s awareness of the electoral process by assessing people’s participation in the polls and evaluating the ease with which those campaigning in the elections can access the electorate/public.
Observers may also verify that the process is conducted as provided for by the law by looking at specific aspects like opening of polls, voting materials (adequacy and timeliness), procedures, polling atmosphere casting of votes, counting of votes, and transmission and declaration of results etc.

The dos
Accredited observers will be entitled to the following:
  • Observing voting at polling stations. They may present themselves at polling stations during opening and closure.
  • Observing the counting of votes at polling stations. lObserving the final counting, determination and declaration of results.
  • Address comments, which are helpful to the presiding officer.
  • Leaving and re-entering the polling station at will.
  • Taking notes and writing observations on all aspects of voting and counting process.
  • Freely interviewing voters outside the polling station without undue influence.
  • Recording election results after the counting at a polling station has been completed.

    The don’ts
  • Observers should not openly support a candidate or political party/organisation.
  • They should not accept gifts/favours, etc from a political party or persons involved in elections.
  • Observers shouldn’t exert influence on voters.
  • They shouldn’t talk to voters inside polling stations.
  • They shouldn’t give orders or instructions against decisions of polling officials.
  • They shouldn’t carry prescribed identification with partisan symbols or colours.
  • Observers shouldn’t state any quantitative election results.
  • They shouldn’t make statements about the electoral process that may cause or incite violence.
  • Observers shouldn’t infringe upon the laws of Uganda.
  • Observers should remain non-partisan and neutral at all times.
  • They should be competent and professional in observing elections and work with diligence and record findings in an objective manner.
  • Observers should ideally submit timely copies of observation reports to the EC for documentation of lessons and recommendations.
    Ends

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