CCEDU to Petition Parliament over Suspension

The Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda-CCEDU is to petition Parliament over its suspension from observing elections.

EC suspended CCEDU from observing elections in the country for being partisan. It was also accused of shunning the women council election calling it a sham despite the big turn up. 

In a meeting attended by partners, donors and members on Thursday at CCEDU's offices in Nsambya, Dr Livingstone Ssewanyana, a member of CCEDU, said that they plan to hold dialogue with the commission over the decision.

He also said that they will petition the legal and Parliamentary committee to intervene in the matter. Ssewanyana says that citizens have a right to monitor elections.

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According to the EC guidelines to Electoral Observers, observers are supposed to observe and verify processes as provided for in the electoral laws from tallying of votes, opening of polls and poll procedures among others.

Observers are also supposed to respect and abide by the constitution, be impartial, cooperate with electoral officers, report irregularities, submitting reports of their findings to the electoral commission within 24 hours among others.

They are also required to make reports not later than six months after elections. Observers are not expected to interfere with polling process whether by action, comments or advice.

Crispy Kaheru, the National Coordinator CCEDU, says they did not breach any guidelines of the electoral commission.

According to Kaheru, they have been objective while observing elections in different parts of the country. He explains that in areas where elections have been irregular, they have alerted the EC and action taken.

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He also says the EC's fears could have been LC1 elections, whose method of voting was criticized.

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