Poverty ruins elections - FDC's Besigye

from New Vision

During a recent election in Uganda, people were paid not to vote. A politician blames the poverty in the country for the outcome. - Kale

By Ali Mambule

THE election process has been ruined by widespread poverty, the FDC president, Kizza Besigye, said while addressing his supporters at Bwala Social Centre in Masaka town on Friday.

He said it was shocking that some people are paid sh1,000 to give up their rights during elections.

“I have realised this for a number of times. Many Ugandans are given sh1,000 to pretend to be blind during voting time such that the person who paid the money can help him or her cast the vote as he wishes,” Besigye said.

He said even people who are educated have fallen victim to this malpractice especially in rural areas where jobs are scarce.

Besigye was sensitising his supporters about the electoral process to take place soon.

He said: “Even people who are capable and sure of winning an election have succumbed to the crooks who give them as low as sh5m to stand down in their favour.”

He blamed the National Resistance Movement government, saying “It did not have the heart to serve Ugandans.”
“That is why they have insisted on using a one-sided electoral commission which helps them to play their deals as they wish,” Besigye said.

He appealed to the Government to change the commission before the next elections in 2011.

He told the crowd that the party would soon hold elections at all levels.

“FDC is not like the NRM which deceives people that an election can be held with one of the contestants holding the same post he or she is campaigning for. We shall all stand down and if some people are re-elected, they will resume their work,” he said.

He told the gathering that only party card-holders will be eligible for election.
He, however, expressed disappointment over people who sell the cards and spend the money on personal problems.


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