Electoral Governance and Quality of Elections; A case of Mukono Municipality

Abstract

This study concentrated on electoral governance and the quality of elections in Mukono Municipality. The study particularly examined the influence of electoral accountability, electoral laws and citizens’ participation in the electoral process on the quality of elections in Mukono Municipality. The study employed a cross section research design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study population involved the District Registrars, EC operational staff, Local leaders, Opinion leaders, and leaders of political parties, CSO’s, Media and Police. Data collection utilized questionnaires and interviews. Data was analysed to obtain frequencies, mean, standard deviation, correlations and regression statistics to ascertain the relationship and significance of the variables. In this study, it was revealed that electoral accountability has a positive significant influence on the quality of elections (r =. 430**, p =.001). The respondents acknowledged that, whenever there is accountability in elections, the quality of elections improves. It was discovered that electoral laws influence the quality of elections at (r =. 515**, p =.000). Respondents revealed that, whenever electoral laws are observed by both the organizers and the participants in the elections, the quality of elections is improved. The study also showed that, citizens’ participation influences the quality of elections (r =.419**, p =.001). Respondents revealed that, when the citizens are involved in the electoral process, the quality of elections automatically improves. It was therefore concluded that, electoral governance positively influences the quality of elections in Mukono Municipality and as a result, the researcher recommended that the EC should maintain a high level of transparency and impartiality. Electoral laws should be enforced in a non-partisan way by the EC, and citizens should be involved at all levels of the electoral process without prejudice; the sensitization should be done continuously and not only during the election period.