Officials from the Citizen’s Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU), a local civil society group that among others things observes local polls have held a meeting with the Electoral Commission leaders at the electoral body’s offices in Kampala.
The meeting was meant to resolve a disagreement that prompted the Electoral Commission to suspend CCEDU’s operations in July this year.
At the time of CCEDU’s suspension, the electoral commission accused them of being biased after statements that were attributed to some officials that were deemed to undermine the process of electing women leaders in three months ago.
The EC had also accused CCEDU of shunning the Women Council elections calling it a sham despite the big voter turn up. Simon Byabakama, the EC chairman then blamed CCEDU officials of going to the media and discrediting the electoral processes then.
“Many times CCEDU has acted outside the election observance guideline as set by the Electoral Commission, this undermines the objectivity and commitment in adhering to the laid down standards of engagement as far as election related activities are concerned,” the July 4th letter by the EC boss reads.
It however seems that the two have come to a compromise after agreeing to rekindle their working relationship especially in areas of voter education and observing elections.
“In the meeting held today 24th October 2018 between Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) and the Electoral Commission (EC), both parties resolved to immediately renew their partnership; and adopt an agreed upon communication strategy,” said Mr Kaheru.
The Electoral Commission, Kaheru said, will in due course formally communicate on the renewed engagement and cooperation.