IPOD proposes reforms ahead of 2021 elections

The Council of the Inter Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) has asked Parliament to support the proposed bill from government that will see all those vying to contest as independent candidates resign from the party for a period of 12month before nominations are done.

Meeting the speaker Rebecca Kadaga on yesterday, the Council of IPOD led by the secretary General of democratic Party Dr. Gerald Siranda, also proposed that all election related parliamentary petitions be handled within a period of one year after elections and called for a reduction of nomination fees among others.

Dr Siranda said there is need to increase political party funding with representation in Parliament in addition to having equal share if political parties are to deepen democracy and to foster national unity

IPOD also wants all funds allocated to the office of the Leader of Opposition be structured in such a way that they benefit all political parties with MPs in the House.

Siranda also told the Speaker that there is need for parliament to review the controversial Public Order Management Act if real democracy is to be realized.

On the issue of Electoral reforms, the council of IPOD proposed a ban on all candidates of political parties from collecting signatures ahead of the next elections in addition to a reduction of the nomination fees for those vying to contest for political offices.

Kadaga informed the delegation that she is also opposed to the high nomination fees for those seeking political offices.

According to Siranda, the next summit of the IPOD is scheduled for 20th of July and its main focus will be electoral reforms.