{UAH} MPs reject ban on independents

By MISAIRI THEMBO KAHUNGU

Members of Parliament have opposed government's proposal to have political parties block members from running for elections as independents.

The proposal is among issues contained in the electoral reforms Bills that was tabled in Parliament by government in July last year.

Parliament debated the report from the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs on Wednesday evening.

Much as the amendment is likely not going to affect those vying for different positions in 2021 General Election since there is already less than a year to the October nominations, the MPs questioned the spirit in which the proposal was brought.

The MPs during a plenary sitting chaired by the Speaker of Parliament, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, said without political parties "cleaning their own house" due to the irregularities marring primary elections, people will still find solace in running as independents.

"We need to support what the Constitution says and the Minister (of Justice and Constitutional Affairs) must apologise for bringing such an amendment. Don't joke with the issue of the independents," Mr Elijah Okupa (Kasilo County, FDC) said as he applauded the committee which had also rejected the proposal on grounds that it is "unconstitutional".

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"When a man is stung by a bee, he doesn't set off to destroy all beehives"

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