The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU), has this afternoon re-affirmed its earlier position that – it is opposed to the method of voting by lining up behind candidates as currently designated by the Local Government Act, and therefore will not observe the LCI elections.
The election is slated to take place tomorrow Tuesday 10th July 2018 across the country. CCEDU which has been independently observing elections in the country however says it subscribes to the internationally recognized standard of elections by secret ballot; and that is why members of the Coalition petitioned the Constitutional Court, for an appropriate interpretation of the law.
In their statement members of the coalition show concern after the electoral commission decided to suspend their duty observation and that none of CCEDU observers will be accredited in future to participate in any other election.
"We are also aware of the suspension of accreditation of CCEDU by the EC not to observe these and future elections – as well as to conduct voter education.
We consider this to be a difference in work methods. Whereas CCEDU believes in exposing good practices and shortcomings to ensure a free and fair election, the EC believes that CCEDU should merely document and share findings. This is a matter we strongly believe can be resolved through dialogue" the statement reads.
