Electoral commission boss Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu has warned all successfully nominated presidential candidates and all other people aspiring for elective offices in next year’s elections to comply with the set rules and guideline so as to avoid instigating election violence.
Kiggundu was attending the state of the nation platform debate organized by Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE) in Kampala on Friday.
He pointed out that election violence has in most cases been propagated by those who are seeking to be elected in the elections.
Kiggundu particularly singled out FDC candidate Dr Kizza Besigye who on Wednesday after his nomination launched a “campaign of defiance”.
Kiggundu said such a declaration is against the law and may actually result into electoral violence.
“We must be prepared to promote peace in this country. We now have eight candidates and only one of these will be the eventual leader.
“We must learn to accept the results of these elections. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, then go to the courts of law,” said the EC chairman.
Meanwhile, NRM electoral commission chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi laid the blame at the door of the politicians who he said have turned elections into a do-or-die matter which has in turn affected the country’s political processes.
“They are the ones who propagate violence and not only at the presidential level but also at the local level. The moment you have people turning elections into a do-or-die matter, then the country is in danger”.
