EC lifts CCEDU suspension on observing elections in Uganda
The Electoral Commission has lifted its suspension on the Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda(CCEDU) over observing polls , the Nile Post has learnt.
The EC chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama in June last year suspended CCEDU over claims that it was conducting itself in a partisan manner.
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However, in a letter, Byabakama said a joint committee was formed in a bid to review the working relationship between the two bodies, adding that the committee has since cleared CCEDU of any wrongdoing.
“Subsequently, the joint committee report was presented to the Electoral Commission and was adopted.
Accordingly, in a meeting held today at the Electoral Commission headquarters between the two, the commission has taken the decision to lift the suspension of accreditation of CCEDU for electoral related activities,” reads in part the latter by the Electoral Commission chairperson.
According to Byabakama, the report by the joint committee highlighted a number of recommendations that he says both parties have agreed to adhere to.
CCEDU confirmed the lifting of their suspension by the Electoral Commission.
“CCEDU will now be able to observe elections and conduct voter education with guidance from Electoral Commission,” CCEDU posted on their twitter.
The European Union also applauded the move by the Electoral Commission to lift CCEDU’s suspension.
“The decision by Uganda's Electoral Commission to allow the Citizen's Coalition for Electoral Democracy to continue observing elections and conduct voter education is important and welcome. Congratulations,” European Union posted on their twitter.
In last year’s suspension letter, the Electoral Commission accused CCEDU of taking sides while carrying out voter education and other related electoral activities.
The electoral body cited an incident in which the senior communication official for CCEDU, Charity Ahimbisibwe, while appearing on NBS TV’s Morning Breeze show allegedly castigated the countrywide village women council committee elections that had just happened a day earlier on July 3 as a sham.
The EC said CCEDU had contravened provisions of the Electoral Commission Act and this they said necessitated the suspension of their activities.
