LOP Ochan launches 10 proposed electoral reforms

By Our Reporter

30^th Jan 2019

The Leader of Opposition, Betty Aol Ochan has unveiled ten proposed electoral reforms and constitutional amendments by the opposition, saying government has delayed to table a comprehensive bill.

Key among the proposed reforms are reinstating and entrenching presidential term limits in the constitution, scraping UPDF representation in parliament and any partisan institutions and having the deputy president as a running mate to the president during elections.

The opposition also proposes that a presidential candidate who garners 10% in general elections be appointed an ex-official member of parliament, creation of a Speaker’s panel to advise the office of the Speaker and preside over business in the house in the absence of the speaker and their Deputy Speaker and establishment of a lean government with 21 cabinet and state ministers.

The opposition also proposes the introduction of federal governments, an independent Electoral Commission, securing the independence of parliament and appointment of the leaders of the majority and minority in parliament.

Ochan explained that as the opposition they can’t seat back and watch the ruling party organise another round of sham elections.

The Shadow Information Minister, Betty Nambooze said the Shadow Attorney General, Wilfred Niwagaba has already written to the Speaker of Parliament seeking space on the order paper to introduce a Private Member’s Bill  titled ‘The Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2019’ to cater for the proposed amendments.