Widespread Allegations of Electoral Fraud Rock the Democratic Party in Uganda

The Democratic Party in Uganda has been hit with explosive allegations of widespread fraud during its recent presidential election, which saw Norbert Mao re-elected as party president. Rival candidate Alitia Elia claims that Mao's camp orchestrated a brazen ballot-switching scheme, introducing a mysterious 'Ballot Box 12' to inflate Mao's vote count. According to Elia, the electoral fraud unfolded in full view of police and army officers, who have been accused of obstructing justice.

Key Takeaways:

• The Democratic Party's presidential election was marred by allegations of widespread electoral fraud, including ballot stuffing and multiple voting.
• Rival candidate Alitia Elia claims that Norbert Mao's camp introduced a mysterious 'Ballot Box 12' to inflate Mao's vote count, which contained over 500 pre-marked ballots in favor of Mao.
• Alitia Elia alleged that electoral officials relocated the tallying from an open tent to a secured hotel room, locking out most candidates and their agents, and that more than 500 of his valid votes were thrown out as invalid in full view of observers.
• The Electoral Commission chairperson has been accused of disqualifying 109 candidates without appeal, declaring 31 candidates unopposed by unilateral decision, and being "boastful, arrogant, and proud" in his handling of the election.
• The controversy has raised concerns about the internal divisions within Uganda's oldest political party and its credibility as a democratic institution ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Statistics:

• 500+: number of pre-marked ballots in favor of Norbert Mao found in Ballot Box 12.
• 109: number of candidates disqualified by the Electoral Commission chairperson without appeal.
• 31: number of candidates declared unopposed by unilateral decision.
• 72: hours worked by police officers prior to resuming the stalled tally.

Sources:

• " Democrats decry vote rigging at Mbarara tally centre" (Monitor Newspaper, 2023)