The Electoral Commission (EC) has distanced itself from allegations that the National Unity Platform (NUP) party stole one million votes from President Yoweri Museveni during the 2021 presidential election. The commission’s Director of Operations, Richard Baabo, addressed the claims during a dialogue organized by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) aimed at discussing measures to prevent electoral conflict.
The dialogue, which brought together various stakeholders, focused on ensuring free and fair elections by advocating for autonomous and independent institutions, including the Electoral Commission and security agencies. The conversation centered on building confidence in electoral processes and maintaining peace before, during, and after elections.
Baabo stated unequivocally that there is no evidence to support claims that NUP tampered with the vote count in the 2021 elections. “As the Electoral Commission, we have thoroughly reviewed the entire electoral process, and we find no basis for the accusations that one million votes were stolen,” he said.
These remarks come in response to recent statements made by President Museveni, who suggested that NUP manipulated the election results to undermine his victory. Museveni’s comments have stirred up political debate, with opposition members and civil society groups calling for an investigation into the claims.
Civil society leaders at the dialogue emphasized the need for independent and credible institutions to prevent such controversies and ensure public trust in the electoral process. They called for reforms to safeguard the transparency and accountability of key agencies, especially in light of the next election cycle.
“The Electoral Commission must operate without undue influence from any political players to guarantee that every vote is protected,” said one civil society representative at the event. “It is crucial for all stakeholders, including security agencies, to uphold the integrity of the election process.”
As Uganda gears up for future elections, the role of independent institutions in ensuring peaceful and credible polls remains a focal point for both the electorate and political leaders. The dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering dialogue, transparency, and cooperation among all parties to avoid post-election conflicts.
The Electoral Commission’s statement is expected to quell some of the tensions surrounding the allegations, but the issue remains a hot topic as political dynamics in Uganda continue to evolve.
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