Uganda votes for a new president under internet blackout and police crackdown • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Presidential Election: The process of electing a head of state.
• Internet Blackout: A temporary, widespread shutdown of internet services, often imposed by authorities.
• Rigged Election: An election whose outcome has been manipulated or falsified.
• Term Limits: Legal restrictions on the number of terms an officeholder may serve.
• Age Limits: Legal restrictions on the age of an officeholder, often for eligibility to run or serve.
• Election Upset: An unexpected victory in an election, contrary to predictions.
• Crackdown: Severe measures taken by authorities to suppress dissent, protests, or opposition.
• Succession: The process of determining who will take over an office or position after the current holder leaves.

Uganda's Tense Presidential Election

Uganda is currently holding a presidential election, described as one of the most closely watched in its history, amidst significant tension and controversy. President Yoweri Museveni, Africa's longest-serving leader, is seeking an unprecedented seventh term in office. Critics and challengers, however, assert that the electoral process is far from free or fair. The capital, Kampala, has seen soldiers lining its streets, and internet services were temporarily shut down in the run-up to polling day. Authorities claim this measure is to prevent misinformation, while critics argue it severely undermines transparency.

Polling Day Dynamics and Security Concerns

As polls opened, the mood in Uganda was reported as "quite peaceful," despite earlier concerns over security. Voting commenced around 9:00 a.m. local time, a two-hour delay from the scheduled 7:00 a.m. opening. This delay was attributed to local officials awaiting essential materials from the electoral commission. Voters began arriving early in the morning. While some security forces were visible, their presence was not described as heavy. However, underlying tensions persist, with some individuals expressing to reporters that they would not vote due to security concerns and a belief that the election would be "rigged anyway."

Access to Information: Internet Blackout

A major issue impacting the election is a nationwide internet blackout, which came into effect last Tuesday. This measure has severely restricted access to information for citizens and observers alike. While authorities justify the shutdown as a means to prevent the spread of misinformation, critics contend it is a direct "blow to transparency," hindering the ability to monitor the election process and communicate freely.

Conflicting Instructions to Voters

A potentially complex and volatile situation on the ground stems from conflicting instructions given to voters. Authorities have advised voters to leave polling stations immediately after casting their ballots. In stark contrast, the main opposition candidate, Bobby Wine, has urged his supporters to remain at polling stations to "protect their vote." These contradictory directives raise fears of potential confrontations between civilians and armed forces, particularly given the heightened security environment.

Limited Election Monitoring

The monitoring of the election process is notably limited. Only around 160 election observers from institutions such as the African Union (AU) are overseeing the proceedings. This number is considered very restricted, especially given Uganda's documented history of "contested and controversial elections." The scarcity of independent oversight raises concerns about the ability to detect and confirm potential irregularities.

President Museveni's Enduring Rule and Controversies

President Yoweri Museveni has been in power for four decades, meaning the vast majority of Ugandans have never known another leader. Ironically, upon coming to power, Museveni himself criticized "leaders who want to overstay in power." He is now Africa's third longest-ruling head of state. To maintain his grip on power, he has twice changed the constitution to remove both age and term limits. His nearly total control over state institutions suggests there is "little prospect of an election upset," making his victory all but assured.

Opposition's Stance and Post-Election Outlook

Bobby Wine, the main opposition candidate, has stated that he would call for protests in the coming days if irregularities in the election were to be confirmed. He acknowledged, however, that such protests would likely provoke further crackdowns by the authorities.

Implications for Presidential Succession

With President Museveni's re-election widely anticipated, attention has already begun to shift towards the implications for his eventual succession. It is widely believed that Museveni intends to eventually hand power to his son, who currently serves as a military chief.

Conclusion

The Ugandan presidential election is characterized by deep-seated tensions, significant controversies, and a widely expected outcome in favor of the incumbent, President Yoweri Museveni. Key issues include a nationwide internet blackout, conflicting instructions to voters, and a limited number of election observers, all set against the backdrop of Museveni's 40-year rule and constitutional amendments to prolong his tenure. While the opposition vows protests if irregularities are confirmed, the focus is already turning to the long-term implications for presidential succession, with speculation centering on Museveni's son. The election underscores ongoing challenges to democratic processes and transparency in Uganda.