The Electoral Commission, Uganda. Launching of the Strategic Plan. and. Roadmap to the 2021 General Elections

Transcription

1 The Electoral Commission, Uganda Launching of the Strategic Plan and Roadmap to the 2021 General Elections 11 th December, 2018

2 1.0 Background Articles 60, 61 and 62 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda mandates the Electoral Commission (EC) to organize, conduct and supervise elections. For effective and successful execution of its mandate, the EC recognizes the role of the various stakeholders. EC_SP_RP 2

3 The EC has therefore endeavored to consult and involve all stakeholders as much as possible. The EC pledges to continue consulting and involving all stakeholders in a transparent manner at and during all levels of the electoral process. In developing this Strategic Plan and Roadmap, the EC took consideration of all comments, inputs, critics and guidance from stakeholders basing on the 2016General Elections. EC_SP_RP 3

4 The EC undertook comprehensive evaluations with EC staff and external stakeholders on the conduct of the elections; Internal and external stakeholder evaluations Lira, Mbale, Mbarara, Masaka and Kampala (national workshop) Survey of EC employees and Stakeholders Reports of International and Domestic Observers Strategic Plan 2011/ /2016 Evaluations highlighted EC strengths and weaknesses, positive reforms and organizational gaps. EC_SP_RP 4

5 Five areas of focus emerged during the stakeholders consultations and evaluations; Continuous organizational strengthening and enhancing working environment within EC (Continuous training of election officials, Development of a Standard Operating Manual for the entire Electoral process ) Ensuring free and fair elections Improving integrity, accuracy and comprehensiveness of National Voters Register Enhancing the content, conduct, delivery and reach of Voter Education Making EC a more service oriented organization (Customer focus and engagement with stakeholders) EC_SP_RP 5

6 2.0 Strategic Planning Process Internal consultations and reviews. External stakeholders consultation workshops were held to evaluate the conduct of the 2016 General elections. Retreat of EC leadership and senior management was held to set the strategic direction and foundation of the new Strategic Plan. Workshops to craft the operational details of the Strategic Plan were held. EC_SP_RP 6

7 3.0 Strategic Plan to 2021GE Vision: Be a model institution and centre of excellence in election management. Mission: Efficiently organize, conduct and supervise regular, free, fair and transparent elections and referenda to enhance democracy and good governance. EC_SP_RP 7

8 Core Values In the performance of our mission and to facilitate realize our vision, the organization will subscribe to the following core values: - Independence and Impartiality Professionalism, Competence and Efficiency Integrity and Accountability Transparency and Inclusiveness Service Orientated/ Stakeholder Focused. EC_SP_RP 8

9 Strategic Key Result Areas The Strategic Plan is Anchored on Six Key Result Areas (KRA), namely: - i. Free, Fair and Transparent Elections; ii. An Institutionally Strengthened Election Management Body; iii. Accurate and Accessible National Voters Register; iv. Effective and Comprehensive Voter Education; v. Efficient Service-oriented/ Stakeholders Focused Election Management Body; and vi. Strengthened Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. EC_SP_RP 9

10 KRA 1: Free, Fair and Transparent Elections Strategic Objective No. 1: Improve democracy and good governance by conducting free, fair and transparent elections. Sensitization of the stakeholders on the legal framework regarding electoral processes Involvement of local leaders Sensitize the stakeholders on the code of conduct to enable a level play field. Strategic Objective No. 2: Improve the accountability of EC and government employees. o Strategic Key Result Areas and their Objectives Timely intervention on allegations of violations of electoral laws. EC_SP_RP 10

11 KRA 2: Institutionally Strengthened and Capable Organization Strategic Objective No. 3: Strengthen institutional structures and instruments for free, fair and transparent democratic processes. Train all EC personnel performing election related duties and functions on all aspects of election management Upgrade IT equipment and facilities for effective functioning Implement the new organizational/ administrative structure Construction of office and storage facilities EC_SP_RP 11

12 KRA 3: Accurate and Accessible National Voters Register Strategic Objective No. 4: improve the accuracy and accessibility of the National Voters Register. Continuous reorganization of polling stations/ centres Introduce new methods of registering Voters in Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Register all eligible citizens Popularize the use ofvoter Location Documents / Technology EC_SP_RP 12

13 KRA 4: Effective and Comprehensive Voter Education Strategic Objective No. 5: Improve stakeholders participation in the electoral process and promote principles of democratic governance. Intensify Commission Stakeholders outreach programs Intensify Commission school outreach programs Improved use of Short Messages Services (SMS) Intensify sensitization through effective voter education approaches Follow up the integration of voter education into primary and secondary school educational curriculum. EC_SP_RP 13

14 KRA 5: Service-oriented/ Stakeholders Focused Election Management Body Strategic Objective No. 6: Improving the working relationship with stakeholders. Improved a communication strategy to sensitize and engage the stakeholders and encourage their continuous participation in the Electoral Processes Enhance the transparency of elections through accreditation of observers EC_SP_RP 14

15 KRA 6: Strengthened Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Strategic Objective No. 6: Improve Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems. Functional coordination committee for the implementation of the Strategic Plan Digitizing Election Documents Intensify Monitoring and Evaluation of electoral activities Intensify Research on election activities EC_SP_RP 15

16 Est. Cost of the Strategic Plan and Roadmap Category GE Roadmap 1. Presidential, General Parliamentary and Local Government Councils Elections 2. Elections for Youth, PwD and Older Persons Councils and Committees/ Association, Representative of Professional Bodies to KCCA including Non-unionized Workers. FY 18/19 FY 19/20 FY 20/21 FY 21/22 Total UgX. Billion Administrative Units (LC I, II) and Women Councils/ Committees from village to National Level Elections Total GE Roadmap MTEF 4. Operational (MTEF Requirements) Budget Grand Total Strategic Plan EC_SP_RP 16

17 4.0 Roadmap EC_SP_RP 17

18 4.1 Objectives of the Roadmap Provide a basis for better planning, implementation, benchmarking and performance assessment; Improve stakeholder participation in the electoral process; Improve on the electoral planning and administration; Avoid last minute rush in implementation of electoral activities; Deliver timely electoral results freely and transparently; Contribute towards good governance and security. EC_SP_RP 18

19 4.2 Guiding Principles The EC reviewed the electoral process through the Electoral Cycle in relation to the enabling laws and PPDA requirements for purposes of prioritizing activities and setting timeframes in the Roadmap. EC_SP_RP 19

20 So generally the guiding principles during the development of this Roadmap included: Electoral Cycle Enabling laws PPDA Requirements EC Strategic Plan RO and Observer Reports Election Reports Comments, Critics, Court Rulings, Complaints EC_SP_RP 20

21 4.3 The Electoral Cycle EC_SP_RP 21

22 4.3.1 Major Characteristics post-election period (strategy) POST ELECTION LEGAL FRAMEWORK election period (operations) VERIFICATION OF RESULTS VOTING OPERATIONS & ELECTION DAY ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN THE ELECTORAL CYCLE PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION TRAINING & EDUCATION REGISTRATION & NOMINATIONS pre-election period (preparations) EC_SP_RP 22

23 4.3.2 Major Activities EC_SP_RP 23

24 4.3.4 Actions for the Post-Election Period The post-election period constitutes an ideal time for a number of actions, such as: review, strategic thinking, planning and action needs-assessment evaluation and assessment of lessons learned and recommendations on a range of different issues (this doesn t happen often, since there seems to be a missing link between recommendations made by observation missions and the assistance activities that should follow) consolidation and capitalisation from the gains made during the preparation and conduct of elections filling of gaps and correction of deficiencies discussing electoral reforms, structural changes, undertaking institutional strengthening and long term capacity development initiatives, without the considerable pressure of an electoral event defining long term sustainable support programmes adopting and applying lessons and recommendations, and implementing programmes legal reforms arranging capacity development, institution strengthening and voter and civic education programmes having dialogue and stakeholder consultation making technical evaluation and audits doing technology upgrades and much more EC_SP_RP 24

25 4.3.5 Enabling Laws According to Article 61(2), The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the EC is mandated to hold Presidential, General Parliamentary and Local Government Councils Elections within the first 30 days of the last 122 days of the expiry of the term of Office of the President. The current term of office for all elected leaders expires on 12 th May EC_SP_RP 25

26 4.4 Categories of Elections Presidential District/City Women Representatives to Parliament SIGs (PwDs, Youths, Workers, UPDF) Representatives to Parliament Constituency Members of Parliament City Lord Mayor District Chairpersons EC_SP_RP 26

27 District/City Women Councillors SIGs (PwDs, OPs, Youths, Workers) Representatives to District/City Councils District/City Directly Elected Councillors Municipality/City Division Chairpersons (Mayors) Municipality/City Division Women Councillors SIGs (PwDs, OPs, Youths) Representatives to Municipality/City Division Councils Municipality/City Division Directly Elected Councillors EC_SP_RP 27

28 Sub-county/Town/Municipality Chairpersons Sub-county/Town/Municipality Women Councillors Division Division SIGs (PwDs, OPs, Youths) Representatives to Sub-county/Town/Municipality division Councils Sub-county/Town/Municipality Division Directly Elected Councillors EC_SP_RP 28

29 SIGs (PwDs, Youths, OPs, Workers) District/City Committees SIGs (PwDs, Youths, OPs, Workers) Municipality/City Division Committees SIGs (PwDs, Youths, OPs, Workers) Subcounty/Town/Municipality Division Committees SIGs (PwDs, Youths, OPs, Workers) Parish/Ward Committees SIGs (PwDs, Youths, OPs, Workers) Village Committees EC_SP_RP 29

30 4.5 Category of Elections with Elective Positions Category Number of Elective Positions for 2016 Number of Elective Positions for 2021 Presidential 1 1 Parliamentary District 3,147 4,273 Municipality/City Division 1,224 1,424 Sub-county/Town/Municipality Division 24,146 30,679 Youth, PwDs and Older Persons Committees Village to National Level 1,325,410 1,503,040 Total Elective Positions for Presidential, General Parliamentary and Local Government Councils Elections 1,354,355 1,539,861 NB: Elective Positions for 2021 are based on current number of Administrative Units EC_SP_RP 30

31 5.0 Roadmap Milestones Subject to Article 61 as amended, the Roadmap covers the whole electoral process activities of: Demarcation of Constituencies Demarcation of Electoral areas Reorganisation of Polling Stations General Update of the NVR Display of NVR Nomination of Candidates Campaigns Polls EC_SP_RP 31

32 5.1 Polling Period Articles 61(2), 105(1) and 181(4) The polling for Presidential, General Parliamentary and Local Government Councils for 2021 General Elections shall be between 10 th January and 8 th February 2021; hence setting a benchmark for all other electoral activities. EC_SP_RP 32

33 5.2 Campaigns for Local Governments Councils Considering the total of over 1,500,000 Elective Positions resulting into so many variations for the production of Ballot Papers and other Polling Forms, and with campaigns expected to end by 10th January 2021 it implies that campaigns commence latest by the last week of July EC_SP_RP 33

34 5.3 Nominations for Local Government Councils For campaigns to commence latest by Last week of July 2020; Nomination of Candidates for Local Government Councils must have completed latest Third Week of July This allows adequate time for the Production of Ballot Papers and other Polling Forms for the over 1,500,000 variations. EC_SP_RP 34

35 5.4 Campaigns for General Parliamentary The Campaigns for Parliamentary Elections are expected to end by 10 th January Considering the over 440 Elective Positions for Parliament hence the variations for Production of Ballot Papers, and with campaigns expected to end by 10th January 2021 then campaigns should commence latest by Second week August EC_SP_RP 35

36 5.5 Presidential Campaigns The Presidential Elections Act (PEA) Section 21(1) enjoins the EC to determine the manner and period for the Campaigns. Considering the over 140 Districts, and with campaigns expected to end by 10th January 2021, it implies that campaigns commence beginning of September EC_SP_RP 36

37 5.6 Nominations Given the magnitude of variations for Production of Ballot Papers, nominations for Local Government Councils should complete by last week of July Nominations of Parliamentary Candidates shall have completed latest by Second Week of August For campaigns to commence latest by First week of September 2020; Nomination of Presidential Candidates must have completed latest Third Week of August EC_SP_RP 37

38 The Commission has to fulfill Section 8 of Presidential Elections Act and Section 9 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (PaEA) that provide for appointment of nominations days and time. The Commission also has to comply to Section 4(4)(a) of PaEA to enable public servants who wish to participate to prepare accordingly. EC_SP_RP 38

39 5.7 Display of the NVR An up-to-date and clean National Voters Register (NVR) is a cornerstone for freefair-elections. EC, Political Parties/Organizations and all stakeholders need an up-to-date NVR for the nomination exercises. An up-to-date NVR should therefore be ready by end of May EC_SP_RP 39

40 The Commission has to comply with Section 33(3) of the Electoral Commission Act (ECA) to gazette and publicize polling stations at least 60 days before the Display of the NVR. Preparatory activities for the Display of the NVR should have been completed by the first week of January 2020, i.e. appointment of Tribunal Members by the Judiciary, recruitment and training of Display Officials EC_SP_RP 40

41 Display of the NVR shall therefore take place between 19 th March and 8 th April 2020 in line with Section 25(1) of ECA; Display of the Parish Tribunal recommendations will be completed by 20 th April 2020 in line Section 25(1a) of ECA; Therefore, processing of Display Returns and production of an up-to-date NVR should be completed by the End of May EC_SP_RP 41

42 5.8 General Update of the NVR For an up-to-date NVR to be ready by end of May 2020, the General Update of the NVRs (Registration, Transfers) should be done between November 2019 and January 2020 in line with Sections 19(7) and 19(8)(a) of ECA. EC_SP_RP 42

43 5.9 Types of Registers to be updated The National Voters Register (Presidential, General Parliamentary and Local Government Councils Elections); Voters Register for Persons with Disability Councils/Committees Elections; Voters Register for Election of Persons with Disability Representatives to Parliament; Voters Registers for Elections of Persons with Disability Representatives to Local Government Councils; EC_SP_RP 43

44 Voters Register for Youth Councils/Committees Elections; Voters Register for Election of Youth Representatives to Parliament; Voters Register for Election of Youth Councilors to Local Government Councils; Voters Register for Older Persons Councils/Committees Elections; EC_SP_RP 44

45 Voters Register for Election of Workers Representatives to Parliament; Voters Register for Election of UPDF Representatives to Parliament; and Voters Register for Election of Representatives of Professional Bodies to the Kampala Capital City Authority. EC_SP_RP 45

46 6.0 Demarcation of Electoral Areas Article 181 of the Constitution mandates the Commission to demarcate Electoral Areas (EA) for Local Government Councils Elections to form Local Government Councils and Sections 108,109, 110 of the Local Government Act (LGA) guide by spelling out: Administrative units under play Number of inhabitants Population quota for women Minimum size of any Local Government Council Levels of Local Government Councils Levels of representation for each Local Government Council Important issues like means of communication, geographical futures, density of population, area and boundaries of administrative units like Parishes/Wards EC_SP_RP 46

47 Demarcation of EA is further guided by Section 10 of LGA which defines the composition of the local government councils to include seats for special interest groups of youth, persons with disability, women and older persons. Demarcation of EA is planned for March April EC_SP_RP 47

48 7.0 Reorganisation of Polling Stations Section 33 of ECA as amended orders the EC to publicise a list of all places at which the NVR is required to be displayed and a list of all polling stations, at least 60 days before the date of display or polling day. Definition and publication of Polling Stations is a requisite for the conduct of electoral activities. Arising out of comments from previous General Elections, the by-elections, growth in voter populations, and creation of new villages, parishes and subcounties/town councils, municipalities and districts; reorganization is necessary. EC_SP_RP 48

49 Re-organization involves shifting, renaming, creating and/or merging some polling stations. The purpose is to; Reduce distance Avoid/reduce overcrowding Catering for newly created Parishes Relocating to more appropriate venues Hence re-organization is scheduled for March April EC_SP_RP 49

50 8.0 Enactment/Amendment of Enabling Laws There are various areas in the electoral laws that require improvement. The EC has made some proposals and forwarded them to Government. Considering the timeframes and commencement of electoral activities for the 2020/2021 General Elections; it is best that all such improvements be made NOT LATER than February EC_SP_RP 50

51 9.0 Creation of New Administrative Units. There is continuous creation of Administrative Uits (Villages, Parishes/Wards, Sub-counties, Towns, Municipal Divisions Municipalities, Districts). Given that Demarcation of Electoral Areas is based on existing Administrative Units and it is planned for March April It is hereby strongly recommended that any new creations be latest by February Otherwise, more resources SHALL be required to carry out further Demarcation and Reorganisation of Polling Stations. EC_SP_RP 51

52 SUMMARY OF KEY MILESTONES FOR THE 2018/ /21 GENERAL ELECTIONS ROADMAP No. Electoral Activities Milestones Start Finish Cut-off of Creation and demarcation of new Administrative Units and Local Governments Enactments/Amendments to enabling laws and Code of Conduct for PPOs Demarcation of Constituencies and Electoral Areas and Reorganisation of Polling Stations General Update of the Register in each Parish. In line with Article 61 (1)(e), Sections 18, 19(1) of ECA. Compilation of Youth/PWDs/Older Persons/Workers Registers. In line with Sec. 18(1) of ECA, Cut-off of Update of the National Voters' Register and Compilation of Youth, PWDs, Older Persons & Workers Registers. In line with Sec. 19(7) & 19(8)(a) of ECA. Display of the National Voters' Register at each Polling Station. In line with Sec. 24(1) & Sec. 25(1) of ECA. Thurs, February 28, 2019 Thurs, February 28, 2019 Tue, March 26, 2019 Mon, April 15, 2019 Wed, November 20, 2019 Fri, January 3, 2020 Wed, November 20, 2019 Fri, January 3, 2020 Fri, January 3, 2020 Thurs, March 19, 2020 Wed, April 8, Nomination of Candidates (Local Governments including SIGs). In line with Section 119, 119A of LGA. Nomination of Candidates (Parliamentary). In line with 9 Sections 4, 8,8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8I & 11 of PaEA Nomination of Candidates (Presidential). In line with 10 Sections 4, 9, &10 of the Presidential Elections Act Mon, July 20, 2020 Fri, July 24, 2020 Wed, August 12, 2020 Thurs, August 13, 2020 Thurs, August 20, 2020 Fri, August 21, Campaigns for All: In line with Sec. 21(1) PEA, Sec.20 PaEA Thurs, July 30, 2020 Sun, January 10, Polling Period (Presidential, Parliamentary & Local Governments: In line with Article 61(2) of the Constitution Mon, January 11, 2021 Mon, February 8, 2021 EC_SP_RP 52

53 PROPOSED KEY MILESTONES FOR THE PPOs IDENTIFICATION OF FLAG BEARERS FOR THE 2020/21 GENERAL ELECTIONS No. Milestones Start Finish 1 Compilation/Update of PPOs Membership Registers Mon, February 3, 2020 Sat, February 29, Nomination of Candidates for Flag Bearers Wed, April 1, 2020 Thurs, April 30, Polling for PPOs Primaries Mon, May 4, 2020 Fri, May 29, Presentation of PPOs Flag Bearers for General Elections Nominations Mon, July 20, 2020 Fri, August 21, 2020 EC_SP_RP 53

54 10.0 Conclusion This Roadmap and the Strategic Plan with stakeholders support should result into the following: More informed electorate and stakeholders; Credible and accessible voters register; Efficiency and effectiveness; Timely procurement of materials and equipment; Professionalism and a favourable working environment; and Delivery of free, fair and transparent elections. EC_SP_RP 54

55 EC_SP_RP 55

56 FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY THANK YOU! EC_SP_RP 56