Free and Fair Elections in Uganda: A Critical Analysis of the Legal Frame Work

Abstract The study examined the electoral laws that provide for the concept of free and fair elections in ;anda. Elections belong to the people because Principles for democratic elections are usually teed to the percept that citizens have the right to take part in government and in the conduct of public affairs of their countries as stipulated under Article 21 and Article 25 of the international mvention as well as other International Human Rights Instruments that will be discussed in the sequent chapters of this thesis. The study was guided by the following objectives; -to analysis e legal frame works in ensuring free and fair elections in Uganda, to examine the institutional legal ·arne work for free and fair elections in Uganda, to examine the effectiveness of the electoral tows in ensuring free and fair elections in Uganda and to suggest possible recommendations in 1e promotion of free and fair elections in Uganda. The study adopted doctrinal legal research under the methodology. This means the research was conducted using library materials which included both primary and secondary sources. The 1995 Constitution of Uganda is the principle md supreme law of the land having its binding force on all persons and Authorities within the territories of Uganda. Article 1(4) of the Uganda constitution which is to the effect that "the )eop le shall express their will and consent on who shall govern them and how they should be governed through regular free and fair elections of their representatives or through referenda". This Article is in conformity with the applicability of the concept of free and fair elections in Uganda. There are a number of laws put in place to ensure that the right to free and fair elections is realised in Uganda both international and national laws as discussed in the previous chapters of this dissetiation. Appointment of an independent electoral commission is necessary, increased transparency in electoral processes, Allocation of equal funding to all political parties, introduction of electronic voting and counting, conducting of civic and voter education campaigns to raise awareness. In conclusion therefore the right to free and fair elections is a fundamental role and must be respected if a country is to be termed democratic. In fact it's among the principles of rule of law that must be adhered to .therefore the Government and all relevant stakeholders should ensure that both the international and national legal frame work on free and fair elections is upheld.