The FDC Party in Uganda is set to contest the Kawempe by-election results in court, claiming electoral irregularities. The election saw NUP’s Naukoola Luyimbazi win amidst violent incidents affecting journalists. FDC’s president criticized the results as misrepresentative of their support, while the NRM party also sought a forensic audit of the voting process.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party of Uganda has declared its intention to legally contest the results of the recent Kawempe North by-election, alleging electoral misconduct. In this contentious election, held to fill the parliamentary seat, the National Unity Platform’s candidate, Naukoola Luyimbazi, emerged victorious with 17,764 votes, while FDC’s candidate, Sadat Mukiibi, received a mere 239 votes. Reports indicate that the election was marred by violence, which included assaults on journalists covering the event by security personnel.
FDC Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat expressed grave concerns over the electoral process and announced that the party would be suing the electoral commission for their purported failures to ensure a fair election. “The results can never be a reflection of our strength in the division,” he stated, emphasizing that the FDC believes the election did not accurately represent their support within the constituency.
Amuriat indicated that the FDC would seek to recover costs associated with the by-election and demanded accountability for the violent disruptions that contributed to their candidate’s underwhelming performance. He noted that incidences at approximately 15 polling stations resulted in their exclusion from the final vote tally, including the location where their candidate voted.
Moreover, the FDC has called for compensation regarding injuries sustained by journalists and the destruction of their equipment during the election process. In a concurrent response, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has echoed similar dissatisfaction regarding the election outcome, advocating for a forensic audit to investigate potential irregularities. NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong suggested that the party’s loss was unfair and called for an inquiry involving all electoral stakeholders, including NUP, NRM, security forces, and the electoral commission.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, both parties are taking measures to address their grievances through legal challenges and demands for thorough audits, highlighting ongoing tensions within Uganda’s electoral process.
In conclusion, the FDC Party’s decision to challenge the Kawempe by-election results underscores profound concerns regarding electoral integrity in Uganda. With allegations of misconduct and violence during the election, the party seeks redress through legal avenues while the ruling NRM party also expresses discontent, calling for further investigation. These developments signal a critical moment for Uganda’s political environment, as parties demand accountability and transparency in the electoral process.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
