Forum for Democratic Change has defied the Electoral Commission directive on banning cameras and telephones in the voting premises.
In a letter seen by Ug Mirror written to the Electoral Commission by FDC Secretary General, Hon Nathan Nandala Mafabi, FDC asks the Electoral Commission to provide a law under which they are banning the use of phones and cameras in the polling premises.
“Provide us with the law which forbids the use of cameras and phone at polling stations. How do we report cases of irregularities and provide evidence at polling station without the use of phones or cameras? unless you want to rig elections,” Nandala questions the Electoral Commission move to ban phones and cameras.
He further questions that; “If you are saying it’s a transparent election, why do you stop observing and comment on the process with equipment which enhances transparency?
“We are aware that the security is planning to Intimidate, beat people and ballot stuff at polling stations. Without phones and cameras, how will this evidence be got? Confirm that the security has taken over the electoral process.
“How does use of cameras and phones affect the credibility of the electoral process?
“You have threatened that the security deals with any person who goes against the Electoral Commission directives. Under what law are you applying these unlawful directives?
“Lastly an agent at a polling station uses a phone to communicate with the Party or the appointing authority. If you refuse a phone how will he/ she communicate? Your quick, response will be highly appreciated.”
Enters Amuriat
FDC Presidential Candidate Patrick Amuriat Oboi also weighed in on the issue and said they will defy the directive.
“I see Byabakama’s statement really being out of order. He is issuing a statement without citing the provisions of the law under which he premises this order and for us as FDC we are encouraging our people to keep at the polling station and I believe its healthy for the entire opposition to do this.
“This mischievous manner of trying to arm-twist the population is something we will not accept and we are going to go ahead and defy what Byabakama has stated whether he likes it or not and we do this recognising the constitution and the laws that govern the electoral process.”
It is worth noting that yesterday, the Electoral Commission Chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama said that all voters should go home immediately after casting their votes and that no pictures, selfies and videos will be taken at the polling premises.