KAMPALA – The Independent Electoral Commission (EC) has finally granted the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) permission to collect signatures from members, marking a significant milestone in the party’s journey towards official registration. This development comes after the EC initially declined PFF’s registration application due to concerns over the party’s name, colors, and symbol.
In a letter addressed to PFF, Commission Secretary Mulekwah J. Leonard emphasized the importance of complying with Uganda’s constitutional and statutory requirements for registering political parties. Specifically, Article 72(1) of the 1995 Constitution guarantees the right to form political parties and organizations.
To fulfill the registration requirements, PFF must collect signatures from at least 50 members from two-thirds of Uganda’s districts, as stipulated in Section 7 of the Political Parties and Organizations Act, 2005. The EC processes registration within six months, and PFF has until January 3, 2025, to complete the signature collection exercise.
Initially, the EC declined PFF’s registration application citing concerns over potential confusion with existing parties. The commission noted that the name “People’s Front for Freedom” bears a striking resemblance to “People Power Front,” a name already reserved. Additionally, the chosen colors – white and royal blue – are similar to those of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda’s main opposition party.
The EC also expressed concerns over PFF’s proposed symbol, a phone icon, which lacked a detailed description. The commission emphasized that PFF must ensure its name, colors, and symbol do not infringe on the rights of existing political parties.
To address these concerns, PFF was advised to review and resubmit its application, ensuring that it meets all requirements. With the EC’s approval to collect signatures, PFF can now move forward with the registration process.
This development is significant for Uganda’s political landscape, as PFF aims to provide an alternative platform for Ugandans to engage in the democratic process. The party’s success in navigating the registration process will be closely watched by political analysts and enthusiasts alike.
The Electoral Commission’s decision underscores its commitment to upholding Uganda’s constitutional and statutory requirements for political party registration. As PFF moves forward with the signature collection exercise, it remains to be seen whether the party will successfully navigate the registration process and emerge as a viable force in Ugandan politics.