Electoral Democracy in Uganda

Electoral Democracy in Uganda: Understanding the Institutional Processes and Outcomes of the 2006 Multiparty Elections analyses the institutionalisation of democratic practice in the Uganda with reference to the 2006 elections. The focus is on elections as a “test” of the strength and legitimacy of Uganda’s political institutions. It is argued that elections are more than the casting and counting of ballots. Accordingly, the book analyses the 2006 Ugandan elections in terms of the broader process involving the setting of rules for political contests; the registration of voters and parties; the nomination of candidates; campaigning and voting; the ballot counting and tallying; and, finally, the handling of election complaints. The book examines four key institutions that should, ideally, secure democratic governance – the parliament, the Electoral Commission (EC), the judiciary, and political parties. To present a comprehensive analysis of the key players in the electoral process, the book has chapters on the roles of women, civil society and the media, and security agencies in the 2006 elections.