MPs attend the plenary yesterday. Despite the big turnout, the House failed to muster the required quorum of 250 to vote on the disputed constitutional amendments.
to mobilise members using all channels,” said Ms Ruth Nankabirwa, the Government Chief Whip.
Ms Nankabirwa said she would put adverts in the media, calling members to Parliament. She said if they fail to raise the quorum, the Bill will be pushed to the 10th Parliament.
When the House convenes today, the MPs will vote on whether or not the current Electoral Commission should be disbanded. The House is also expected to vote on the return of the presidential term limits as proposed in the minority report.
When the House convenes today, the MPs will vote on whether or not the current Electoral Commission should be disbanded. The House is also expected to vote on the return of the presidential term limits as proposed in the minority report.
The lawmakers will also vote on whether MPs should be allowed to cross the floor 12 months to the elections and whether independents should be compelled to raise 1,000 signatures during nomination, among other amendments.
Meanwhile, government agreed to form a Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) to consider wider reforms but rejected reconstitution of the current Electoral Commission and calls for restoration of term limits ahead of the polls.
“The best approach is to accept the need to establish the CRC proposed by the committee in consultation with the Executive to do a comprehensive job,” Attorney General Fred Ruhindi told Parliament.
Mr Ruhindi said the proposals from the Opposition and civil society would be sent to the CRC. However, some legislators described the promise as a “decoy to hoodwink” Ugandans who are clamouring for meaningful reforms.
“More than 60 per cent of Ugandans don’t have confidence in Electoral Commission to deliver free and fair election,” said Mr Wafula Oguttu, the Leader of Opposition, adding that Ugandans want a peaceful transfer of power.
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