A trounced democracy in Africa in Uganda's 2016 elections

Democracy has been trounced again by non-other than the newly elect President of the People’s Republic of Uganda. International observers and many other political analysts have seen the chaotic experiences that came along with Uganda’s presidential campaigns and have termed this as a “sham”.

The election was indeed marred by sporadic violence and opposition allegations of electoral fraud, with social media sites and messaging apps blocked. EU observers have also criticized the poll, saying the governing party had created an "intimidating atmosphere" and that the opposition alleged vote rigging.

 Dr. Besigye, under house arrest said the results were a "sham", calling on the international community to reject them. He said that Uganda has just witnessed what must be the most fraudulent electoral process in the World! This comes amidst of the electoral commission of Uganda (ECU) declaring His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the duly elect president of the People’s Republic of Uganda. The 71-year-old won 60.75% of the vote while his nearest rival Kizza Besigye took 35%. Ugandan President has won a fifth term as president, extending his 30 years in office

President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and his other counterparts in the World have congratulated His Excellency the President dully elect Kaguta Musevenei of the Republic of Uganda. President Uhuru wished Museveni success as he serves Uganda for another term. Uhuru said that he was pleased to congratulate His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni on his re-election as President of the Republic of Uganda.  He said that the people of Uganda have spoken, and they have spoken very clearly and their voice should be respected. The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC) also have commended the Uganda’s Electoral commission for “conducting free and fair elections”.

Nonetheless, the opposition candidate Kizza Besigye however rejected the presidential poll outcome saying that it was not free and fair and called on the international community to intervene. Besigye was arrested three times during the poll period, a move criticized by the US as "deeply inconsistent with international standards and expectations for any democratic process". Another candidate Amama Mbabazi said the poll was "fundamentally flawed". European Union observers said Uganda's presidential election was conducted in an intimidating atmosphere and the East African nation's electoral commission is not independent.

My take: Africa should embrace democracy and soldier on with Africa’s development agenda. Intimidation, violence and vote stealing should stop.

 Dr. Njenga, Solomon

Chair – Governance, Peace and Security Studies

Africa Nazarene University, Kenya