Electoral Commission writes back to Mbabazi

By Estella Jones

The Electoral commission (EC) has acknowledged receipt of notice of intention to conduct consultations by presidential aspirant, Amama Mbabazi.
Mbabazi wrote to EC after declaring his intentions to run for NRM flag bearer and finally as President in the coming 2016 general elections.
EC chairman, Eng Badru Kiggundi, in a letter dated June 18, 2015 advises Mbabazi that while conducting his consultations, the same should be distinguished from distribution of materials, campaigns.
EC also advised against holding rallies and mass meetings as well as canvassing/soliciting for votes envisaged under section 21 and 24 of part V of the Presidential Elections Act, 2005.
“The foregoing activities for purposes of parity and levelling the ground for the election, can only be conducted upon satisfying the provisions of Part IV of the above Act in regard to nominations as candidates for the said election,” reads the letter.
“Please further be guided that the requirements of the Presidential Elections Act 2005 and other applicable laws in regard to the above captioned are complied with,” Kiggundu writes.
“Further guidance on requirements to be complied with under your party/organisation rules, regulations and codes, if any, is advised.”
The letter is copied to the Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police.
If the letter is a genuine document, electoral commission gives green light for consultations.
This comes at the same time NRM Secretary General, Kasule Lumumba, wrote to police informing them of Mbabazi’s activities which need to be regulated.
Analysts say NRM has clearly indicated that police is partisan-pro-NRM and instead of upholding the constitution, the force is busy taking political sides.