FDC calls for transitional government instead of 2021 polls

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has opposed an election in 2021 and instead asked Parliament to consider a transitional government for Uganda.

FDC, the main opposition political group in Uganda now wants the government to process a constitutional amendment introducing a ‘transitional government’ which will cater for a situation of no elections at a time when they are constitutionally supposed to take place.

FDC party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat, together with the party’s secretary-general Nathan Nandala Mafabi presented the views yesterday before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament. The committee is currently collecting views on the recently released revised roadmap in which the Electoral Commission (EC) announced a ban on open-air campaigns.

The FDC now says that a meaningful, inclusive national dialogue should inform the process of forming a transitional government instead of holding an election under the issued roadmap which according to the party exceeds the limits of discretion constitutionally conferred on the EC or government.

Oboi argues that the EC’s insistence in leading the country to a part-scientific or part-normal elections which are not backed by the Supreme law is a sham and an absurdity which would amount to no election.

FDC says that the current fear, chaos and confusion on the upcoming election arises from the refusal by the government to declare a state of emergency at the earliest opportunity to enable the management of the country in a transparent and accountable manner during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Besides campaigning digitally, there is a genuine fear that at the eleventh hour, the EC and the government may further exploit the pandemic to impose on us another aspect of voting digitally within the context of a ‘scientific election’ which is not recognised in our constitutional order,” Oboi said.

FDC secretary general Nathan Nandala Mafabi also told fellow legislators that there is no person who can effectively campaign without reaching the people physically since televisions and radios target just a few.

But Jacob Oboth, the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee chairperson said that the issue of amending the Constitution is not before them and the only options for which views are being sought include holding the election normally, holding digital campaigns as proposed by the EC or postponing the polls.

Kaberamaido Woman MP Veronica Bikyetero Elagu said that their duty is to find ways whether Uganda can have an election or postpone it.

Similarly, Monica Amoding, the Kumi Woman MP further queried the FDC proposal for a transitional government.

Bugabula South MP Henry Maurice Kibalya said that the suggestion from the FDC is not helpful to Ugandans.

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