VIEW FROM THE CWP
ELECTION REFORM AND WOMEN View from the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson is most associated with the electoral system. On what Dear Readers of The Parliamentarian, basis the winner of the election is decided is another I welcome you to yet another issue of The key element of the electoral system. These are some Parliamentarian. However, the theme of this issue of the pre-election acitivities and those that take is quite unique in that elections and voting reforms place during an election. is a very critical matter in democratic governance. There are a whole range of post-election activities Every citizen has a responsibility to vote during which the outcome of the electoral process on Election Day. But it is the government’s are managed, such as post-election disputes, election responsibility to make sure the system works petitions, the formation of the government and the efficiently for those who exercise this responsibility. subsequent functioning of the government (including Those who take the time to participate in democracy issues such as defections). are owed at least that much. This illustrates the critical role of the electoral If democracy has anything to do with selfRt Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, MP system in ensuring an effective and functioning determination – and self-determination with Chairperson of the democracy and hence enhances the importance of dependability – then the electoral system might Commonwealth Women well be the very heart of democracy. If this seems Parliamentarians and Speaker electoral reforms. Electoral reforms should be aimed at among like an exaggeration, then let me try and sketch of the Parliament of Uganda other things, improving the responsiveness briefly what the electoral system should include. of electoral processes to public desires and It verifies who can or should be allowed to expectations. However, not all electoral change can vote. When should electoral rolls be prepared, be considered electoral reform. Electoral change revised and how? The formation and functioning can only be referred to as ‘reform’ if its primary goal is to improve (including funding, etc.) of political parties is also an integral part of electoral processes, for example, by fostering enhanced impartiality, the electoral system. This also includes the basic question of who can inclusiveness, transparency, integrity or accuracy. However, this contest an election. distinction is not always clear in practice: some changes may be This is followed by the actual conduct of the election which is what characterized as desirable or even necessary ‘reforms’ by their proponents, but as improper ‘manipulation’ by their opponents. Random and/or frequent electoral change, while it may be reformist, can also be confusing to voters, and thus defeat its purpose. Elections and voting reforms are vital issues to consider in nation building for a number of reasons. In theory, electoral systems and reform have become rather a ‘hot topic’ with the surfacing of new democracies in many parts of the world. A recent drift towards electoral reform has also emerged in several countries. In reality the electoral system is important as it defines how the political system will function. It is a device to choose viable governments and give them legitimacy. It is also aimed at reflecting the wishes of the voters, to produce strong stable governments and elect qualified representatives. 146 | The Parliamentarian | 2015: Issue Three