The NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, has addressed the outcomes of the recently concluded party primary elections, emphasizing both the successes and challenges encountered during the exercise.
Speaking to Nile Post, Todwong acknowledged the high voter turnout and the enthusiasm displayed by party members across the country, however, he noted that the primaries were a critical step in strengthening internal democracy within the party where he said the NRM primaries were concentrated on members registered in the membership voters’ books.
“The beauty of our elections is that we were concentrating on members who were registered in our books, if you were not registered in our books and we find you are the one causing chaos, you will be ruled out of order, that is how we were operating” says Todwong.
He also addressed some of the challenges that arose during the primaries, including internal party issues, isolated incidents of violence which were swiftly managed by the security organs among others.
Todwong noted that the elections were heavily contested where in each constituency more than 3 candidates picked nominated forms.
“By the look of things, 95% of the country is calm and peaceful with exceptions of a few incidents in a few areas which emanated from internal contradictions between candidates, their supporters and their agents and our electoral officials, all these are being resolved."
The NRM Secretary General also noted that there is a tribunal that has been opened for those that feel dissatisfied wit the electoral outcomes.
“A window for tribunal for those that feel aggrieved with the outcome of the results, a tribunal is sitting 24 hours receiving petitions and complaints for those with issues, this is the best way of resolving disputes in any political organization."
He noted that 31 people were elected as leaders in villages, 30 leaders at parish levels, and same number at the subcounty also district level.
“From the currently received results of the tallies, 8 million registered voters participate in our elections, by supporting voting and lining behind different candidates”
“We have received reports of misconduct in a few areas, and the party’s disciplinary committee is handling these cases. Those found guilty of undermining the integrity of our elections will face consequences because when we were going in for these elections we involved the Uganda police to help us with security and we know from their angle, they have been observing these activities. The party chairman directed the CID to investigate and make arrest of members who have been mentioned as people that could have caused unfair friction among our members."
Todwong urged all candidates, including those who lost in the primaries, to remain loyal to the party and support the elected flag bearers.
“The NRM is a family, and internal competition should not divide us. The reason we give an option for the tribunal, is for the complainant to bring grievances to an independent tribunal. The tribunal is independent of the NRM electoral commission, NRM Secretariate Our ultimate goal is to secure victory for the party in the general elections,” he said.
Todwong urged party members to rally behind President Museveni’s vision, emphasizing the need for unity as the country prepares for the next electoral phase.
“I call upon the members and supporters to be calm. This election has generated a lot of attention and interest both internally and externally, let us come together as a house and resolve all these matters that could be there” he urged.
