By Mariam Nalunkuuma

THE Electoral Commission is to fight for its integrity and independence, commissioner Tom Buruku has said.
He said, “The electorate should not judge us before the end of the election process. We took an oath to respect the constitution, fight for our integrity and remain independent. We shall not allow our integrity to be terminated in favour of one candidate.”

He was on Friday speaking at a dialogue on ‘ensuring free and fair elections in Uganda: The case for 2006 presidential, parliamentary and local council elections.’

Multi-Dime Consultants and the International Republican Institute organised the dialogue at Christ the King Church hall in Kampala.

Buruku asked the electorate to stay calm and be tolerant during campaigns and after elections.

“Uganda belongs to us all, in spite of the political differences. we should seek to put peace, tranquillity, unity and cohesion above our political aspirations,” Buruku said.

He said the framers of electoral laws must also take into account the need to safeguard the integrity of the electoral system and manipulation of the electoral process.

Makerere University political Science lecturer Dr. Simba Kayunga said elections are only held to legitimise those in power.

Simba warned the opposition that they should not anticipate rigging.

“Rigging is a process and is not done on election day. I’m disappointed the opposition has not recognised the local councils, which the NRM is using to win these elections,” he said.