Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, better known as Lenin, once defined political blackmail as ‘the threat of exposing, or the actual exposure, of true, but more often invented, stories to cause an opponent political damage, of slandering him, or of depriving him of the possibility of engaging in political activity.’
His words ring true today as Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC) faces a wave of unwarranted attacks.
In recent days, the EC has come under intense criticism after declaring Ms Phiona Nyamutoro, MP-elect for Nebbi District, unopposed on November 13.
This followed the Commission’s decision to nullify the nomination of her sole challenger, Ms Mercy Abedican, of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Ms Nyamutoro currently serves as Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development. Ms Abedican fell into trouble after a petition filed by one of Nyamutoro’s supporters, who alleged that several of the nominators she submitted had never consented to endorse her.
Their signatures were reportedly forged, and in an even more troubling twist, some of those listed were registered supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
With evidence proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the signatures had been falsified, the EC tribunal had no legal alternative but to cancel Abedican’s nomination and declare Nyamutoro unopposed.
What followed was a predictable storm: accusations, insults, and political outrage from NUP sympathisers and select civil society actors who have made a habit of shouting down any decision that does not favour them.
Their argument, recycled at every opportunity, is that the EC is ‘in bed’ with the ruling NRM to block Opposition candidates. Yet the facts do not support their narrative.
Just days earlier, on November 5, the EC also declared Mr Ofwono Opondo unopposed after his opponent, Mr Mpande Joram Kigenyi of the Democratic Party (DP), conceded and withdrew his candidature. Mr Kigenyi was accused of forging signatures and not obtaining consent from 10 of his nominators.
The rules were applied consistently, regardless of political party. The EC must not be intimidated or pressured into abandoning its responsibility to uphold the law and ensure fraudulent candidates do not make it to the ballot.
There appears to be a deliberate and orchestrated effort, particularly among elements within NUP and certain activists, to blackmail the Commission and discourage strict adherence to electoral procedures.
It is incumbent upon political parties themselves to conduct due diligence before endorsing candidates. Article 61(1)(f) of the Constitution empowers the EC to hear and determine election complaints arising before and during polling. The EC is, therefore, fully within its mandate. Unfortunately, a distorted political culture has taken root in Uganda’s political class.
Too many aspirants are becoming shameless blackmailers, to avoid legal requirements, yet demanding privileges. One cannot aspire to public office while engaging in forgery and still expect to be treated as a victim. The requirements set by the EC are designed to test integrity; if one cannot meet these basic standards, they cannot be trusted with public leadership.
Those now attacking the EC appear to have abandoned any sense of shame. What exactly did they expect the EC to do? Ignore evidence of fraud? Look away when procedures are blatantly violated? If the Commission had done so, it would have violated the law. Political blackmail has become a thriving enterprise in this country.
Hours of radio and television airtime are spent on indiscipline masquerading as political analysis. Many of these critics contribute nothing to national progress but dominate public platforms with noise and conspiracy theories.
It is time the media denied space to such trivial schemers, whose only interest is to create chaos rather than build the nation.
Doing so would offer a lesson to others who may be tempted to follow their path. Uganda urgently needs a shift in political culture, one that rewards diligence, integrity, and respect for the law. All political actors must be held to the same standard. And the EC must remain steadfast, resist blackmail, and continue enforcing electoral laws without fear or favour.