Africa-Press – Uganda. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Director of Communication, Emmanuel Lumala Dombo, has defended the recent disqualifications of electoral candidates, describing them as a lawful and necessary outcome of failure by some aspirants to meet established legal requirements.
Speaking during NBS Morning Breeze on Tuesday, Dombo said the disqualifications in the electoral process—are now a “new normal” under Uganda’s electoral framework, but emphasised that many affected candidates failed to take note of clear provisions in the law.
“The disqualifications are a new normal, but some people did not pay attention to the provisions of the law. Many were not attentive, so you can’t blame the Electoral Commission. These disqualifications are a result of failure by candidates to do due diligence,” he said.
Dombo maintained that the enforcement of electoral requirements should be welcomed, noting that it will encourage seriousness and compliance among future aspirants.
“The disqualifications are very good. People have not been paying attention. Going forward, people will do their due diligence. This will reawaken whoever seeks an electoral office in the future,” he said.
Reflecting on the 2021 elections, Dombo said Uganda’s electoral environment has significantly improved, particularly in terms of security, openness, and public participation.
“By this time in the last electoral period, the whole country was tense. It was very difficult for people like me, wearing yellow, to walk on the streets of Kampala. Progressively, the elections are getting much better,” he said.
Dombo pointed to the absence of COVID-19 restrictions and the return of open political rallies as key indicators of improvement in the current electoral cycle.
According to him, transparency has also increased, with campaign activities and electoral processes being broadcast live for public scrutiny.
“This time, there is no COVID, and there are open rallies. Whatever is done is being telecast live for everyone to see. The elections this time are much better,” he said.
On matters of security, Dombo expressed confidence in the preparedness of state agencies, noting that security forces have assured political actors of their readiness to maintain law and order throughout the electoral period.
“Security has assured us that they are on top of the game.The candidates have told their supporters to act within the law. Once that happens, for us as NRM, we will be waiting for our victory,” he said.
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