Article Summary
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has started its internal primary elections for Local Council I Chairpersons and executive committees. The outcome of these grassroots elections can provide insight into the potential winner of the national general elections in January 2022. NRM’s strong lower local government base gives it an advantage in reach and mobilization. President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni’s involvement in the village elections demonstrates their significance.
Original Post
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) commenced its internal primary elections yesterday with the election of flagbearers for Local Council I Chairpersons and the executive committees. This followed the issuance of a roadmap by the party Secretariat that spelt out the activities to be undertaken in line with the roadmap of the national general elections issued by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
With the climax of elections being in January next year, it is possible to estimate, from outcomes in the grassroots elections, which party has a higher chance of winning the general elections. That is why the village elections are extremely important and ought to be taken seriously by all citizens.
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The myth of rigging as alleged as a route to electoral victory cannot be sustained beyond a given number of electoral cycles. That’s why if you allege rigging in 1996, you say the same in 2001, then 2006, by 2011 and onward only the unserious will believe you. Basic principles of popular leadership remain the same, no matter which era you live in. Being rooted among the wanainchi is the constant magic for victory. Only populists count on spontaneous support as a measure of popularity.
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If unpatriotic, antagonistic, drunken and absentee elements are elected, they will take the country of course and lock their people in endless backwardness and poverty despite direct intervention by the centre.
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If you vote wrongly or if you don’t vote at all at the village level, be mindful that the choice you make at the base will affect who you vote at the top and how they perform. A bad foundation makes work difficult for the President since his concepts and directives wouldn’t be put in action by bad lower level leaders.
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The author is the Special Presidential Assistant-Press & Mobilisation/Deputy Spokesperson
Email: faruk.kirunda@statehouse.go.ug
0776980486/0783990861
What This Means for You
- Participate in local elections, as they can indicate the potential winner of national elections.
- Understand the importance of local leaders, as they significantly influence policy, planning, and service delivery.
- Stay informed and empowered, ensuring your vote counts and lower-level leaders prioritize local needs.
- Monitor legislators and remove those not focused on critical issues or responsible representation.
Key Terms
- National Resistance Movement (NRM)
- Internal primary elections
- Grassroots elections
- Lower local government base
- Local Council I Chairpersons
- Electoral victory
- Popular leadership
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