Our track record is incontestable - EC boss

GOVERNANCE

KAMPALA - Justice Simon Byabakama, the Electoral Commission chairman says they remain one of the most credible electoral commission agencies not only in Africa but also in the world and their role in the promotion of democracy should be lauded.
 
Speaking during the International Day of Democracy at Kololo independent grounds, Byabakama rejected the widely held view among the Opposition that they cannot hold a credible election.
 
"Even if God sent angels to conduct these elections, some Ugandans will not accept the outcome because it is within their DNA to dispute the election for as long as the outcome is not in their favour," he said.
 
He said he was surprised at skepticism about their work yet they carry out an open process which ensures that Ugandans are able to observe all the levels in the election cycle.
 
"When we bring in ballots in our warehouses in Kireka, for example, everybody is called upon to come and witness. [On Election Day], every candidate is allowed at least two agents at the polling station. [Also,] least five voters are called upon to witness the opening of boxes before elections can commence," he said, adding that they ensure that voting ends by 4:00 pm so that the other activities like the voter counting happens during the light of day.
 
"I was in Kidepo, in Karamoja, and we had to abandon an election because we failed to raise the required number of witnesses for the opening of ballot boxes."
 
The International Day of Democracy was proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly on November 8, 2007, and is celebrated every 15th  ay of September all over the world. This year's event in Uganda was, however, brought forward to Friday because it falls on a Sunday which is not a working day.
 
Speaking at the event, Byabakama, said he was mindful that there are areas of improvement, however, "We are studying all the previous petitions and judgments where we erred to ensure that we do a better job," he said.
 
Sheila Ngatya, who represented United Nations Development Program that sponsored the event, called upon the government to ensure observance of rule of law and respect of all players in the politics of the country.
 
Referencing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' message for the event, she said: "Democracy is built on inclusion, equal treatment, and participation — and it is a fundamental building block for peace, sustainable development, and human rights."
 
She called upon the government to bring all stakeholders involved such civil society, political parties, into political processes as this was an important the cornerstone of good governance.
 
"True democracy is a two-way street, built on a constant dialogue," she said, adding, "As the United Nations system in Uganda, we believe that Democratic Governance creates an environment that promotes economic growth and eventual sustainable development."
 
She said UN has supported the Government efforts to build strong institutions and to strengthen the Rule of Law and Constitutional Democracy.
 
She reiterated that her agency will continue  to support the Government and the people of Uganda, in its pursuance of the Vision 2040 and the 2030 agenda for development especially goal 16 on Peace Justice and Accountable Institutions.