There is no need for consultation on election technology- Dombo

Emmanuel Dombo has weighed in on the ongoing debate regarding the introduction of technology into Uganda’s electoral process. He emphasised that the implementation of credible elections does not necessarily require consultations with the entire country.

Dombo commented on President Yoweri Museveni’s propositions aimed at improving Uganda’s electoral system, particularly through the adoption of technological solutions. While some have called for a wider national consultation to introduce these reforms, he argued that the process could move forward without exhaustive engagement from all citizens.

“To get into credible elections and the prepositions that the President made, I don't think it will require consulting the whole country to introduce technology,” Dombo remarked.

He acknowledged that while public engagement is crucial in democratic governance, there are times when decisions need to be streamlined for the sake of efficiency.

The debate over technology in elections has been at the forefront of Uganda’s political discourse, particularly with growing concerns over transparency and fairness in the electoral process. President Museveni has proposed several reforms aimed at modernising the system, including digital voter identification and electronic voting.

While the potential benefits of these technological advancements are widely recognised, critics argue that bypassing broader consultations could alienate sections of the population, especially in rural areas where digital literacy remains low.

Dombo’s stance aligns with those who believe that the urgency of ensuring free and fair elections outweighs the need for prolonged discussions. However, with Uganda's next elections on the horizon, the challenge remains in striking a balance between technological advancement and public trust in the democratic process.