By Stephen Kalema
Former presidential candidate Abed Bwanika has warned the Electoral Commission against taking up an offer of free airtime on private radio stations.
Bwanika, also the president of People’s Development Party said he will sue the EC and the radio owners if they dare enter this partnership.
He was responding to Busiro South Member of Parliament and proprietor of Super FM Peter Sematimba who had offered EC free air time on his radio and also urged EC chairperson to work with radio stations in process of promoting electoral education and sensitisation.
“As a media owner, EC needs to come on board and draft how we can help in promoting electoral literacy all over this country before election time reach for general elections,” said Sematimba during the plenary discussions after the launch of Strategic Plan and Roadmap for 2020-2021 General elections this week.
But Bwanika warned EC not follow Sematimba’s proposal since it was against the law.
“I am totally disappointed with Sematimba. How can someone who might vie for a seat in parliament offer free airtime to the body conducting elections? This is one way of compromising and stealing elections,” Bwanika said.
“Should EC go to Sematimba’s radio, you will see us in court. EC is an independent body you are not supposed to be offered free air time on a station whose owner is also in election contestations,” said Bwanika.
“I want to also to warn Sematimba to keep away from our elections and keep away from Electoral Commission and leave it to do its work independently,” he added.
Bwanika also blamed EC for allowing National Identification and Registration Authority to decide the fate of voters. “EC you have surrendered your autonomy to NIRA who are not allowed constitutionally to decide or regulate voters,” said Bwanika.
However, EC boss Simon Byabakama Mugenyi said; “We cannot surrender our autonomy because it’s constitutional. However, Bwanika should know that every Ugandan is allowed to participate in election, as long as they have a valid national identity card. And NIRA helps EC in verifying valid national Identity card,” said Byamukama.
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