Political analyst Gerrald Wanzala has sounded a warning to political parties, particularly the National unity platform (NUP) and the National resistance movement (NRM), about the dangers of interfering in their electoral committee vetting processes.
According to Wanzala, party leaders are prematurely campaigning for preferred candidates, creating undue pressure on electoral management committees and undermining their ability to make fair decisions. this, he argues, threatens the integrity of the electoral process and the principles of democracy.
While acknowledging that dialogue between contestants for the same position can be beneficial, Wanzala emphasizes that party leaders must refrain from exerting undue influence on the vetting process.
He warns that if parties continue to interfere, the credibility of their electoral management committees and tribunals will be compromised.
NUP Secretary-general David Lewis Rubongoya countered that his party's "harmonisation tactic" aims to save time and avoid conflicts by having leaders facilitate dialogue between contestants. he cited examples in Mukono and Nansana, where this approach led to amicable resolutions.
However, Wanzala remains skeptical, suggesting that this method, which originated from the NRM, may ultimately backfire on the NUP if they continue to employ tactics that their competitors have mastered. he urged parties to prioritise fairness, transparency, and the integrity of the electoral process.