VIEW FROM THE CWP
I have already highlighted some of the attributes of good electoral reforms but the component of all- inclusiveness is one of the most outstanding. This is of particular interest to us as the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP). Good elections and voting reforms should strongly uphold and cater for the full participation of all groups of people in a given society including women. The strategies to overcome the obstacles to political participation of women should be at the core of elections and voting systems throughout the Commonwealth. As the CWP, we believe that is not only tenable but also attainable. Let me use the Ugandan
experience in further elucidating the importance of elections and voting reforms. Uganda has had five general elections since independence in 1962.
Each of the elections has been a learning experience, revealing areas that require strengthening in Uganda‘s electoral system. Budgeting and funding of election activities; voter and civic education; party registration and financing; electoral disputes resolution; electoral boundary demarcation; and election management body institutional strengthening have consistently come out as key areas that call for review in light of the electoral dynamics, not just in Uganda but in many other democratic nations.
The adoption of a new constitution in 1995 promised a new beginning for Uganda. After more than three decades of political instability, widespread human rights abuses and a nearly collapsed economy, the 1995 constitution promised a new beginning on the horizon. Among other things, the constitution sought to establish the critical foundations for a new political dispensation rooted in the principle of democracy, separation of powers, respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms, and the rule of law. Most recently, the Uganda Parliament has been debating and considering constitutional amendments with a view to producing electoral reforms. All these are visible steps towards achieving a transparent electoral and voting system.
It is no secret that the consequences of bad elections can be dire to say the least. We have witnessed all across the world what happens in the aftermath of badly organized or fraudulent elections. Bloodshed, civil strife and in some cases genocide have been some of the consequences of bad elections.
The example of Kenya is quite an intriguing one but one that clearly comes to mind in this case. Widespread controversy over the legitimacy of the 2007 election results produced the boiling point in which a cauldron of historical tensions unleashed its insidious rage, resulting in up to 2,000 people killed, over 300,000 people displaced and an estimated US$1.5 billion in losses to the economy. However I was so enthralled by the huge steps that Kenya took to avoid a repeat of such state of affairs. The new Constitution was passed by referendum in August 2010 with two thirds of the popular vote. Indeed, Kenyans have reason for optimism given the broad
checks and balances enshrined in terms of devolution of power, human rights, gender parity, powers of the executive, an independent judiciary, a two-tiered parliament and many oversight bodies to ensure transparency and accountability.
In some countries, real electoral competition has historically been impossible and election-specific violence is unnecessary to ensure a favorable election outcome. No opposition candidates ever appear on the ballot, so the risk of losing an election is non-existent. In other places, the government may face an electoral threat but does not respond with violence because leaders are more likely to be held accountable. When judiciaries become more independent of the executive office or when other checks on government power develop, election violence becomes less likely even when a leader or party’s position in power is seriously threatened.
As we head towards an electoral year for many countries in the Commonwealth, let us embrace and support electoral and voting reforms. By doing this, we are promoting democracy and the rule of law for the peace and prosperity of our countries and for the generations to come. We, at the CWP, support electoral and voting reforms that favour the participation of women in elections. I wish you a happy reading of The Parliamentarian!
“As we head towards an electoral year for many countries in the Commonwealth, let us embrace and support electoral and voting reforms. By doing this, we are promoting democracy and the rule of law for the peace and prosperity of our countries and for the generations to come.”
The Parliamentarian | 2015: Issue Three | 147
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