Stop joint campaigns for political candidates
Aug 22, 2010
THE on-going campaigns to choose the NRM flag-bearers in party primaries have been marred by violence in some areas. In Tororo, state minister Emmanuel Otaala was quizzed by the Police over his alleged involvement in campaign violence.
THE on-going campaigns to choose the NRM flag-bearers in party primaries have been marred by violence in some areas. In Tororo, state minister Emmanuel Otaala was quizzed by the Police over his alleged involvement in campaign violence.
In Kapchorwa, former minister Stephen Chebrot was also involved in a fracas with the police. There have been similar incidents in Rubanda West, Buyaga and Pallisa, which have led to the suspension of campaigns.
Electoral violence, forgery of academic papers, vote buying and intimidation are some of the weaknesses so far identified. In some constituencies, there are reports of incumbents bribing voters not to listen to their opponents.
The guidelines issued last week by the NRM electoral commission provided that candidates for Members of Parliament and district chairperson have joint campaigns.
THIS is untenable since it is becoming increasingly difficult for aspirants to share the same platform. The tolerance levels of the supporters have certainly ebbed as we approach the general elections.
Primaries are an important exercise and the stakes are high as candidates being elected. The incumbents know that the primaries are a test of their influence in the constituencies and will do anything to fight for their political survival.
It is also a test of whether the adult members’ suffrage of electoral colleges is the ideal method of choosing candidates during primaries.
It was certainly wrong for the NRM to think that since all the aspirants belonged to one party, there would be no violence. In any political race, differences are inevitable.
The crowded field of candidates poses a challenge to the NRM. The party has to handle the situation carefully to avoid disgruntled contenders from running as independents.
Candidates should have separate campaigns if the elections are to be peaceful.
In Kapchorwa, former minister Stephen Chebrot was also involved in a fracas with the police. There have been similar incidents in Rubanda West, Buyaga and Pallisa, which have led to the suspension of campaigns.
Electoral violence, forgery of academic papers, vote buying and intimidation are some of the weaknesses so far identified. In some constituencies, there are reports of incumbents bribing voters not to listen to their opponents.
The guidelines issued last week by the NRM electoral commission provided that candidates for Members of Parliament and district chairperson have joint campaigns.
THIS is untenable since it is becoming increasingly difficult for aspirants to share the same platform. The tolerance levels of the supporters have certainly ebbed as we approach the general elections.
Primaries are an important exercise and the stakes are high as candidates being elected. The incumbents know that the primaries are a test of their influence in the constituencies and will do anything to fight for their political survival.
It is also a test of whether the adult members’ suffrage of electoral colleges is the ideal method of choosing candidates during primaries.
It was certainly wrong for the NRM to think that since all the aspirants belonged to one party, there would be no violence. In any political race, differences are inevitable.
The crowded field of candidates poses a challenge to the NRM. The party has to handle the situation carefully to avoid disgruntled contenders from running as independents.
Candidates should have separate campaigns if the elections are to be peaceful.