EU observers meet FDC officials

Feb 22, 2016

Birigwa told observers that government is trying to cover up something, given the manner in which they are harassing their candidate and other party officials since the elections ended

The European Union observers in the 2016 Presidential elections have held a meeting with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
opposition party following the end of the polling process.

The deputy chief observer, Marian Gabriel who led the team, said they are still gathering information in relation to the Thursday Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

He said they want to gather more information from various stakeholders who were involved in the process, including the Electoral Commission (EC), parties and presidential candidates to come up with comprehensive and balanced report.

"We have 40 people who are still following the process and they are still here. We are going to meet NRM, EC and other stakeholders for more information. We have not yet met Besigye but we hope to do so because this is our first meeting with FDC," Marian noted.

The meeting was attended by the party president, Maj Gen. Mugisha Muntu; the party's moblisation secretary, Ingrid Turinawe and Waswa Birigwa, the party national chairperson.

During the meeting, Birigwa told observers that government is trying to cover up something, given the manner in which they are harassing their candidate and other party officials since the elections ended.

On Saturday, EC's chairman, Eng. Badru Kiggundu announced the incumbent Yoweri Museveni, winner of the 2016 Presidential race with, 60.7%, defeating seven other opponents. His closest rival the FDC flag bearer, cam second with 33.3% which his party has continually contested.   

"We pray for peace in the country so that we continue to do our business as a party despite of the conditions we are going through. Our candidate has been detained and denied his freedom of movement. We feel sad for what is going on," he added.

Turinawe said they continue to reject Museveni, because he did not win anywhere, given the what they are doing.

"We reject President Museveni being the winner of this election and we shall continue defying him. We call for an international technical audit to have truth of what happened," she said.

Earlier on in the day, eight of party data staff entrants were arrested by police and taken to unknown detention. Among those arrested include  Harold Kaija, (the deputy secretary general in charge of administration.

Maj Gen. Muntu condemned the state actions, saying it is unfortunate because results have already been announced.
Muntu said they regime is using the police to intimidate their supporters.  

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