Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has strongly rejected the scientific election as recommended by the Electoral Commission.
The party says it is a big risk to hold an election at a time the party is grappling with COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the party head offices, the FDC publicist Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda said the party recognizes that Uganda like any other country is faced with the pandemic.
“We therefore think as FDC that holding a normal election on the dates stipulated in the Constitution (January-February 2020) as announced by the Electoral Commission is a big risk. But if as a country we choose to do so, these elections must be transparent as commanded by the Constitution,” he said.
He added that the Constitution provides for only normal elections where candidates freely interact with the electorate.
“Any attempt to modify these elections will be unlawful. We have made this point clear to the Electoral Commission. Extension of the term of the President and Parliament as is being suggested in some quarters cannot happen because it is not supported by the Constitution. The FDC rejects digital campaigns because they compromise the quality of elections.”
The People’s Government and the FDC are in final phases of producing a position paper that calls for a transitional arrangement when the term of office for the president, Parliament and local governments comes to an end.
“We will circulate this document to all political players, civil society and to religious leaders to facilitate a national dialogue and consensus,” said Ssemujju.
FDC suggests the country should allow the term of office for the current administration to expire.
And when it does so, an interim council should run the government and organize elections when the pandemic is over.
“The nature of the council and its members should be agreed upon by all political players in the country.
That is what will resolve the current impasse. Parliament can make the necessary changes to the Constitution and electoral laws to accommodate this situation,” he concluded.
