Participation is key in Democracy – EC

By Francis Otucu

The Uganda Electoral Commission has revealed that participation is key in achieving a democratic process.

Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama was last Friday commenting on the theme for this year’s International Democracy Day held at Kololo Independence Grounds. “We, as Electoral Commission, are particularly pleased with the theme of this year’s celebration: participation. Democracy is based on the idea of people having a say in who governs them. This makes participation one of the most important characteristics of a democratic system. Perhaps it is this emphasis on participation that gives credence to the common definition of democracy as ‘government of the people, by the people and for the people.’ Participation in elections is, therefore, a form of political involvement and reflects a high sense of citizen responsibility. Participation is important for democracy, and is a significant indicator of the state of democracy in any country, including Uganda,” Justice Byabakama said.

He noted that since 1994, Uganda’s democratic process has been above average.

“I wish to report that since the elections for the Constituency Assembly held in 1994, participation in Uganda’s elections (which includes registration as a voter, nomination as a candidate, participation in campaign meetings and rallies, attending voter and civic education engagements and meetings, turning up to cast a vote on polling day and election observation) has been above international average,’ he bragged.

Justice Byabakama however noted that the Electoral Commission has a role to play.

“We, however, have a duty to ensure that the people who register also turn up and cast their vote on polling day, and vote in elections for the various (elective) positions. This is our task as the election management body, alongside with you our key stakeholders, particularly the political parties which present candidates,” he said, assuring participants of a commitment in the promotion of democracy.

“As the Commission, we commit ourselves to support promotion of democracy in Uganda through building an informed and active electorate. We call on our partners, who include international organizations represented here, civil society organizations, religious and charity organizations, the media and political parties and organizations, to join us in mobilizing the citizenry to participate in elections and other areas of governance,” Byabakama noted.

Ahead of the 2021 general polls, he called on Ugandans to participate in all electoral processes.

“This celebration comes at a time when the eyes of Ugandans, and indeed the world, are on the Commission, as we roll out various activities under the Roadmap for General Elections which will be held during the year 2021. We reiterate our commitment to ensuring that eligible Ugandans exercise their right to participate in this electoral process, in the various capacities, that is, to register as voters, to support the nomination of candidates, to stand and contest and to cast their vote on polling day. We call on Ugandans to exercise their right and participate in the electoral roadmap and in a lawful manner,” he said.