As Commonwealth observers began deploying across Uganda, the group’s Chair, Olusegun Obasanjo, expressed his hope that the country’s people will enjoy a peaceful and credible election on 18 February.
The Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group, who led Nigeria as President between 1999 and 2007, joined the team in Kampala on 15 February ahead of the scheduled presidential and parliamentary polls.
Former President Obasanjo said: “As observers, we hope to see a transparent and credible election process. Our eyes are open, and we will report what we see without fear or favour.”
“All stakeholders, including party candidates and supporters, election officials, police and security forces, should play their part in ensuring voters are free to express their preference at the ballot box and the election is conducted peacefully, without resort to intimidation or violence,” he said.
Commonwealth election observer teams travelled to Arua, Gulu, Kabale, Kampala, Jinja, Masindi, Mbale and Mbarara earlier on 16 February, where they will observe voting, counting and results processes at polling stations and counting centres.
