Citizen’s Coalition for Electoral Democracy launched votability campaign on April 11, 2015 under hashtag #votability to mobilise Ugandans aged eighteen (18) years of age and above to peacefully and actively participate in the general Voter Register Update exercise by Uganda electoral Commission. Votability is used to refer to the eligibility, ability, preparedness, and exercising the right to vote.
An updated voter register translates into a credible Electoral commission, free and fair electoral process. Eligible Ugandan citizens of eighteen years and above have 24 days from 7th – 30th April 2015 to register, verify their details, and decide on polling stations of their choice. The first Step to fruitful elections starts with participation in general voter register update exercise. Change is possible with voting. Every voter determines outcomes of elections. Elections are just like lottery, you can not expect a jackpot without participation.
Opposition should learn that every vote counts. Increasingly, we have seen incumbents losing in Africa which is not common with latest example being Nigerian outgoing president Goodluck Jonathan. Voter Register Update exercise addresses barriers to voting. For example the challenge of lack of transportation is solved by eligible voters chosing their preferred voting stations. Everyone has a right to vote but they have to do what it takes to exercise. You may have the right to vote but the decision cannot be exercised. You do not want to turn up on Election Day and you are told you can not vote because your polling station is miles away or because your details were not verified.
There is a growing evidence of low confidence in electoral processes by Ugandan opposition as reported by media. Registration as opposed to boycott counts. The struggle for voters’ support and acceptance by political parties explains the success of recent Nigerian presidential elections. Rallying more eligible voters especially the urban corporate to register by opposition parties may be the only silver bullet to their victory in 2016 elections. There have been allegations of people’s names missing from the voter registers during voting in the past. This is time to sort out this.
Not registering to vote can hurt your chance of getting great social service delivery.Quality of life depends on the leaders one chooses. The more eligible voters we have, the stronger civil society we shall to ensure leaders are held accountable. The decisions politicians make affects masses directly every day. Refusal to register means you have lost control on who will govern you and how.
Everyone has a role to play. It’s hurting for leaders you do not want to win elections. It’s regrettable to remember that you refused to register and everyone else you know did not participate. Citizen participation in General voter register update exercise is a collective responsibility since it will have trickledown effect on everyone. Church leaders and political parties must mobilise masses to participate. Employers can encourage employees and set aside time to enable them participate in the exercise. Individually, anyone should encourage their Family members and loved ones to participate in the process. Your loved ones’ votes are very important voices in any government.
Baliboola.N.Ivan
PR & organisational diagnosis specialist
No comments:
Post a Comment