Uganda government says accusations of election fraud are wrong

World Today

Uganda’s government has slammed critics of its recent presidential election, saying accusations of fraud are unjustified. The rebuke comes as U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon backed concerns of international observers who described the elections as lacking in transparency. CCTV Africa’s Leon Ssenyange reports from Kampala, Uganda.

The Uganda government says it carried out a legitimate election despite international criticism.

“We do believe that the concluded elections met the benchmarks of a free and fair election… the campaigns were free… polling free… and tallying was free,” Uganda Government Spokesman Ofwono Opondo said.

Incumbent Yoweri Museveni won last week’s polls by a majority 60.5 percent. But observers have criticized Uganda’s government for using security forces against opposition candidates and supporters.

Opposition leader and runner up in the election Kizza Besigye was arrested and released on numerous occasions in the past week.

“The presidential act calls for 10 days to petition results. What have we witnessed since announcement is that Besigye is held, he is denied to his lawyers,” said Sarah Birete of the Centre for Constitutional Governance.

The U.N. has called for Ugandan authorities to ensure that all election-related concerns “are handled in a fair, expeditious and transparent manner.”

“Nobody, a presidential candidate or otherwise is above the law. The onus is on Mr. Besigye to submit himself to the laws of Uganda. If there are actions he considers irregular, the courts of laws of Uganda are open,” Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo said.

President Museveni will be inaugurated for a fifth term later in May. But concerns about his re-election could have an impact on his relationship with the U.N. and European Union, with many predicting that things between them could turn sour over the next few years.