Can Uganda Ever Have Democratic Elections?. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahluwalia, Pal
• Is Part Of: African identities. Volume 14:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 100
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: National characteristics, African -- Periodicals; Africans -- Periodicals; African diaspora -- Periodicals; Africa -- Civilization -- Periodicals; 305.896
• DOI: 10.1080/14725843.2016.1162405
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-5843

Abstract

Abstract : It is thirty years since President Yoweri Museveni came to power after a protracted guerrilla war that toppled the government of President Tito Okello. Since his ascension to power, Ugandan elections have been fraught with difficulties ranging from the inability of the opposition to operate freely to the changing of term limits for Presidential candidates in 2005. The current regulations stipulate that the President must be a citizen of Uganda by birth and be between the ages of 35 and 75, and be a qualified MP. Given that President Museveni has turned 71 this year, there is already speculation as to whether this part of the Presidential Elections Act of 2000 will be amended. The latest round of elections was held on 18 February 2016, to not only elect the President but also the Parliament and Local government. It was the Presidential election, however, which was closely watched.