NRM PARTY PRIMARIES!! THE IMPERATIVE OF TRANSPARENCY FOR CREDIBILITY

By Bwayo Geoffrey

As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries draw near on July 17, 2025, concerns about the electoral process's transparency are increasingly mounting.

In Bulambuli, the lack of displayed party registers has sparked fears of electoral fraud, particularly with some candidates seemingly overconfident about their chances despite apparent lack of popular support.

This situation mirrors similar concerns in other electoral processes globally, where transparency and credibility have been major issues.

The importance of displaying party registers cannot be overstated. It allows voters to verify the eligibility of participants, ensuring the process's integrity. This step is vital in building trust among candidates and voters, preventing potential disputes, and promoting a fair competition.

 Transparent electoral processes are essential for the legitimacy of any election, and the NRM party primaries should be no exception.

The significance of transparency in electoral processes is underscored by experiences in other countries. For instance, Kenya's 2017 general elections saw concerns about voter register accuracy lead to the Supreme Court nullifying the presidential results. Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga, along with three other judges, ruled in favor of nullifying the election because the failures violated Article 81(e) of the Constitution, which requires elections to be free, fair, transparent, verifiable, accountable, accurate, secure, efficient, and credible.

Similarly, Nigeria's 2019 general elections faced challenges related to voter registration and verification, which raised questions about the polls' credibility. The European Union Election Observation Mission reported that the elections were marked by severe operational and transparency shortcomings, electoral security problems, and low turnout. The last-minute postponement of the elections placed an undue burden on voters, and the results collation procedures were also criticized.

The NRM Party's call for losers to rally behind the winner is commendable, but it becomes challenging when the winner lacks legitimacy. If the "winner" is imposed or lacks popular support, it will be difficult for losers to rally behind them. This could test the party's unity and cohesion, as losers may question the legitimacy of the winner, potentially leading to divisions within the party.

Given these concerns, it is essential for the NRM party to prioritize transparency by displaying the registers before this important election. This will enable voters to verify the process and build confidence in the electoral outcome. By doing so, the party can ensure a credible and fair primary election process.

Transparency is not just a nicety but a necessity for the legitimacy and credibility of the NRM party primaries. The party leadership should take immediate steps to address these concerns and ensure that the electoral process meets the highest standards of transparency and fairness.

The writer is a key opinion leader in the Elgon zone. Tel: 0762589133